bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Distribution of IOL Center and Its Relationship with Internal Ocular Objective Visual Quality in Cataract Patients
Authors: Long Tan , Gu Xin , Wei Wei , Ma Ting , Wang Rui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the distribution of the center of the intraocular lens (IOL) after phacoemulsification, and to assess the correlation between the center of IOL and preoperative angle kappa, angle alpha, and objective internal visual quality, respectively, in cataract patients with monofocal and bifocal IOLs implantation. Methods: Prospective cross-section cases series. One hundred and thirty-seven eyes of 107 patients who underwent phacoemulsification were included. Preoperative angle kappa and alpha, postoperative internal ocular aberrations, internal objective visual quality, and the center of IOL relative to the visual axis (CIV) was evaluated using iTrace system. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlations were performed.Results: Locations of CIV were scattered in all directions centered on corneal light reflection for both C-Loop designed IOL and plate-haptic designed IOL. No correlations were found between CIV and preoperative angle kappa and alpha in both magnitude and orientation. No correlations were found between CIV and postoperative internal ocular aberrations (astigmatism, coma, and trefoil). In the bifocal IOLs group, the CIV was negatively correlated to the internal Strehl ratio at 3mm; however, it was not correlated to the Strehl ratio at 5mm. The magnitude of CIV was positively correlated to the length of the optic axis.Conclusions: CIV was not predictable according to angle kappa and alpha before cataract surgery. CIV was not related to internal ocular aberration, but large CIV may lead to light scattering due to steps between diffractive rings in patients with small pupil sizes. The magnitude of CIV may be greater in cataract patients with longer optic axis.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Characteristics of life-sustaining treatment decisions: National data analysis in South Korea
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , jeon Heejung , Lee Ilhak 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Although the Act on Decisions on Life-sustaining Treatment for Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care or at the End of Life was implemented in South Korea in 2018 to ensure the dignity of death for patients, adequate data are not available about whether patients’ preferences are being reflected in end-of-life decisions. By using the data of 79,863 patients from the database of national institutions, this study examined the actual condition and characteristics of the life sustaining treatment decisions (LSTD) system since its implementation. The patients were divided into four groups according to the decision-making method (G1, G2, G3, and G4), and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed by dividing the patients into self-determining (G1, G2) and family-determining patients (G3, G4). The results revealed significant relationships between the variables; age, disease, and hospice use of patients showed differences in each group. Age was found to have a major impact on LSTD, and with increase in age, the family, and not the patient, made the LSTD. The LSTD method also differed depending on the disease. The self-determination rates of patients with circulatory or digestive diseases were somewhat lower than that of those with neoplastic diseases. Regarding the period from decision making to the implementation of the LSTD life judgment, the findings revealed hurried decision making and inadequate time for the patient to prepare for death. The findings highlights the need for ensuring that the patients are the subjects of their treatment decisions and for beginning LSTD consultation sooner.
Direct Anterior Versus Anterolateral and Posterolateral&nbsp;Approaches to Total Hip Replacement: Comparative Accuracy of Acetabular Implant Placement and Early Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Chen Ying-Lin , Horng Chi-Horng , Hsieh Shang-Lin , Hsu Chin-Jung , Chang Chien-Chun , Fong Yi-Chin , Chen Hsien-Te , Su Li-Ting , Lin Tsung-Li , Tsai Chun-Hao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDifferent surgical approaches used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) include direct anterior approach (DAA), anterolateral approach (AL), and posterolateral approach (PL). However, the acetabular cup position varies according to surgical view, surgical table, and patient position for each approach. This study is aimed to compare acetabular cup position in THA under different approaches, including surgical time, blood loss, and postoperative complications.MethodsBetween Jan 2017 and Dec 2018, 231 patients who underwent THA (64 DAA, 96 AL, and 71 PL THAs) were analyzed retrospectively. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, preoperative and postoperative WOMAC score, cup anteversion, inclination angle, and postoperative complications were analyzed.ResultsDAA showed longer operation time and more blood loss, but shorter hospital stays. The cup was found in the safe zone for 97% of DAA patients, 74% of AL patients, and 56% of PL patients. PL showed the highest complication rate (9.9%), followed by DAA (3.1%) and AL (1%). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative and postoperative WOMAC scores. ConclusionTHA by DAA using a special table is a more reliable procedure to achieve safe cup position. Although DAA showed fewer outliers in cup position, it resulted in longer operation time and greater blood loss compared to other groups.Trial registration: Retrospective study
Detect caterpillar, grasshopper, aphid and simulation program for neutralizing them by laser
Authors: Rakhmatulin Ildar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The protection of crops from pests is relevant for any cultivated crop. But modern methods of pest control by pesticides carry many dangers for humans. Therefore, research into the development of safe and effective pest control methods is promising. This manuscript presents a new method of pest control. We used neural networks for pest detection and developed a powerful laser device (5 W) for their neutralization. In the manuscript methods of processing images with pests to extract the most useful feature are described in detail. Using the following pets as an example: aphids, grasshopper, cabbage caterpillar, we analyzed various neural network models and selected the optimal models and characteristics for each insect. In the paper the principle of operation of the developed laser device is described in detail. We created the program to search a pest in the video stream calculation of their coordinates and transmission data with coordinates to the device with the laser.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Precipitation Change and Nutrients Addition on Desert Steppe Productivity in Inner Mongolia, Northern China
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Zuo Xiaoan , Yue Ping , Li Xiangyun , Hu Ya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and Aims Global changes profoundly impact on structure and function of grassland ecosystem. However, it remains unclear on the mechanism of how multiple limiting resources affect plant community primary productivity (ANPP) in desert steppe.Methods Here, we conducted an experiment to examine the effects of precipitation changes (natural and ± 50% precipitation) and nutrient addition (=N: 0 g·m-2·yr-1; +N: N 10 g·m-2·yr-1; +NPK: N/P/K each for 10 g·m-2·yr-1) on species diversity, ANPP, functional traits and soil properties. We used structural equation model (SEM) to evaluate the effects of precipitation changes and nutrient addition on ANPP.Results Increased precipitation increased species diversity and ANPP under NPK addition, NPK addition increased ANPP under increased precipitation, and the interaction of precipitation changes and nutrient addition was significant for ANPP. Drought reduced plant height and leaf dry matter content (LDMC), but increased leaf nitrogen content (LNC). ANPP was positively correlated with species richness, abundance, height and LDMC, but negatively correlated with specific leaf area (SLA) and LNC. The SEM showed increased precipitation and nutrient addition directly increased ANPP. Altered precipitation indirectly affected ANPP through its effect on abundance and SLA, while nutrient addition indirectly affected ANPP only through its effect on abundance.Conclusion The combined limitations of precipitation and multiple nutrients deserves more attention in studying the effect of global changes on productivity in arid steppe. Our results highlight the importance of species diversity and functional traits in driving short-term responses of ANPP to environmental factors in desert steppe ecosystems.
Dysregulation of the Leukocyte Signaling Landscape during Acute COVID-19
Authors: Turnbull Isaiah , Fuchs Anja , Remy Kenneth , Kelly Michael , Frazier Elfaridah , Ghosh Sarbani , Chang Shin-wen , Mazer Monty , Hess Annie , Leonard Jennifer , Hoofnagle Mark , Colonna Marco , Hotchkiss Richard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 450,000 US citizens. Dysregulation of the immune system underlies the pathogenesis of COVID-19, with inflammation mediated local tissue injury to the lung in the setting of suppressed systemic immune function. To define the molecular mechanisms of immune dysfunction in COVID-19 we utilized a systems immunology approach centered on the circulating leukocyte phosphoproteome measured by mass cytometry. COVID-19 is associated with wholesale activation of a broad set of signaling pathways across myeloid and lymphoid cell populations. STAT3 phosphorylation predominated in both monocytes and T cells and was tightly correlated with circulating IL-6 levels. High levels of STAT3 phosphorylation was associated with decreased markers of myeloid cell maturation/activation and decreased ex-vivo T cell IFN-gamma production, demonstrating that during COVID-19 dysregulated cellular activation is associated with suppression of immune effector cell function. Collectively, these data reconcile the systemic inflammatory response and functional immunosuppression induced by COVID-19 and suggest STAT3 signaling may be the central pathophysiologic mechanism driving immune dysfunction in COVID-19.
Convolutional Neural Network for Iris Recognition
Authors: Alnahari Wael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, I proposed an iris recognition system by using deep learning via neural networks (CNN). Although CNN is used for machine learning, the recognition is achieved by building a non-trained CNN network with multiple layers. The main objective of the code the test pictures’ category (aka person name) with a high accuracy rate after having extracted enough features from training pictures of the same category which are obtained from a that I added to the code. I used IITD iris which included 10 iris pictures for 223 people.
Fractional SEIRP model for COVID-19 dynamics incorporatingsocial distancing and environment
Authors: Akindeinde Saheed Ojo , Okyere E. , Adewumi A. O. , Lebelo R. S. , Fabelurin O. O. , Moore S. E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We propose a Caputo-based fractional compartmental model for the dynamics of the novel COVID-19 epidemic taking into consideration social distancing and the influence of the environment. Using basic concepts such as continuity and Banach fixed-point theorem, the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the proposed model were shown. Furthermore, we analyze the stability of the model in the context of Ulam-Hyers and generalized Ulam-Hyers stability criteria. The concept of next-generation matrices was used to compute the basic reproduction number $R_0,$ a number that determines the spread or otherwise of the disease into the general population. Numerical simulation of the disease dynamics was carried out using the fractional Adam-Bashforth-Moulton method to validate the obtained theoretical results.
Detection of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.526 with the Spike E484K mutation in South America
Authors: Cadena Juan Fernández , Muñoz Mindy , León Gabriel Morey , Armas-González Rubén , Márquez Darlyn Amaya , Viteri Katheryn Sacheri , Consortium Paúl Cárdenas & USFQ-COVID , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Rifo Ricardo Soto , Molina Derly Andrade 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here, we report two sequences of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant recently detected and designed as B.1.526. This variant carries the immune escape-associated mutation E484K and additional mutations in the S, N, NSP2, NSP3, NSP4, NSP6, NSP8, NSP12 and NSP13 genes. Viral sequences were obtained from an individual traveling from the US to Equator with a negative RT-PCR and from one of his closest contacts that became infected. These cases should be considered an alert for the potential circulation of a new variant of concern with the E484K mutation in South America
Analytical solution to the radiotherapy fractionation problem including dose bound constraints
Authors: Fernández Luis Alberto , Fernández Lucía 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper deals with the classic radiotherapy dose fractionation problem for cancer tumors concerning the following goals: a) To maximize the effect of radiation on the tumor, restricting the effect produced to the organs at risk (healing approach). b) To minimize the effect of radiation on the organs at risk, while maintaining enough effect of radiation on the tumor (palliative approach). We will assume the linear-quadratic model to characterize the radiation effect and consider the stationary case (that is, without taking into account the timing of doses and the tumor growth between them). The main novelty with respect to previous works concerns the presence of minimum and maximum dose fractions, to achieve the minimum effect and to avoid undesirable side effects, respectively. We have characterized in which situations is more convenient the hypofractionated protocol (deliver few fractions with high dose per fraction) and in which ones the hyperfractionated regimen (deliver a large number of lower doses of radiation) is the optimal strategy. In all cases, analytical solutions to the problem are obtained in terms of the data. In addition, the calculations to implement these solutions are elementary and can be carried out using a pocket calculator.
Transcriptome analysis at mid-stage development seeds in litchi with contrasting seed size
Authors: Pathak Ashish Kumar , Sharma Ritika , Nath Vishal , Singh Sudhir P , Tuli Rakesh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit crop with contrasting genotypes bearing fruits with variable seed size. Small seed size is a desirable trait in litchi, as it improves consumer preference and facilitates fruit processing. Seed specific transcriptome analysis was performed in two litchi genotypes with contrasting seed size to identify the genes associated with seed development in litchi fruits. The transcriptomic data from seeds at mid- development stages (16 to 28 days after anthesis) were de-novo assembled into 1,39,608 Trinity transcripts. Out of these, 6,325 transcripts expressed differentially between the two contrasting genotypes. Several putative genes for salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and brassinosteriod pathways were down-regulated in the small-seeded litchi. The putative regulators of seed maturation and seed storage were down-regulated in the small-seeded genotype. Embryogenesis, cell expansion, seed size and stress related Trinity transcripts exhibited differential expression. Further studies can lead to identification and characterization of early regulators of seed size in litchi.
Impact of nutrient warning labels on choice of ultra-processed food and drinks high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat in Colombia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Higgins Isabella , Gomez Luis Fernando , Hall Marissa G. , Parra Maria Fernanda , Bercholz Maxime , Murukutla Nandita , Taillie Lindsey Smith 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFront-of-package nutrient warning labels are one promising policy to inform healthier food choices and purchasing decisions. This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrient warning labels on product selection and the ability to correctly identify products with an excess of critical nutrients, among other outcomes in Colombia.MethodsWe conducted an online randomized experiment among 8,061 Colombian adults in October 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to a front-of-package label condition: nutrient warning, guideline daily amounts (GDA), Nutri-Score, or a no-label condition. First, they viewed a fruit drink with added sugar that was labeled per their assigned condition and one without added sugar, which was only labeled in the GDA and Nutri-Score conditions, and completed selection tasks. The primary outcomes were 1) selection of the fruit drink with added sugar as the fruit drink they would rather buy and 2) correctly identifying which fruit drink was higher in sugar. Next, they viewed four food products (cookies, yogurt, sliced bread, and breakfast cereal) with their assigned condition and answered a series of questions. Finally, they selected which of the three label types would most discourage them from consuming a specified ultra-processed food.ResultsFewer participants in the nutrient warning condition (20%) selected the added sugar fruit drink as the product they would rather buy compared to 24% in the GDA condition (p<.01), 29% in the no-label condition, and 33% in the Nutri-Score condition (both, p<.001). More participants in the nutrient warning condition (88%) correctly identified the fruit drink higher in sugar compared to the no-label condition (68%) and the Nutri-Score condition (65%) (both, p<.001). More participants in the GDA condition (91%) correctly identified the fruit drink higher in sugar compared to the nutrient warning condition (p<.01). Most participants (72%) selected the nutrient warning label as most discouraging, while only 20% selected the GDA label and 9% selected the Nutri-Score label.ConclusionsNutrient warning labels are a promising policy strategy to prevent obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases in Colombia. Future research is needed to understand the impact of nutrient warning labels on actual ultra-processed food purchases in Colombia. Trial Registration: NCT04567004
Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales among elderly residents in long-term care facilities with joint contractures
Authors: Chen Yi-Chang , Lin Keh-Chung , Yeh Shu-Hui , Pan Ay-Woan , Chen Hao-Ling , Wang Chih-Hung , Chen Chen-Jung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Joint contractures, which affect activity, participation, and quality of life, are common complications of neurological conditions among elderly residents in long-term care facilities. The aim of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales in a population with joint contractures. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The sample included elderly residents older than 64 years with joint contractures in an important joint who had lived at one of 12 long-term care facilities in Taiwan for more than 6 months (N = 243). The Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales of joint contractures was generated in 5 stages: translation, review, back-translation, review by a panel of specialists, and a pretest. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were evaluated, and the results were compared with those for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.Results: The Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales had excellent reliability with a Cronbach’s α coefficient of .975 (M = 28.98; SD = 17.34). An exploratory factor analysis showed 3 factors and 1 factor with an eigenvalue > 1 that explained 75.176% and 62.83% of the total variance in the Activity subscale and Participation subscale, respectively. The subscale-to-total scale correlation analysis showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of .881 for the Activity subscale and .843 for the Participation subscale. Pearson’s product-moment correlation revealed that the correlation coefficient (r) between the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule was .770, and that for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale was -.553; these values were interpreted as large coefficients. Conclusions: The underlying theoretical model of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales functions well in Taiwan, and it has acceptable levels of reliability and validity. However, the Chinese version needs to be further tested for applicability and generalizability in future studies, preferably with a larger sample and in different clinical domains.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000030413. Registered 1 March 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/usercenter.aspx
The Effect of Computer-Free Coding Education for Special Education Students on Problem-Solving Skills
Authors: Demir Ümit 
Published: February 2021

During recent years coding education has been an important issue in many countries. Coding education has been an important topic for these countries. One of the reasons why coding education is being discussed by educators and other partners of the schools is that it is seen as a key competence for students, and workers at developing problem-solving skills. Coding as an academic skill is seen as a part of logical reasoning. Coding is also accepted as one of the skills called “21st-century skills” required from individuals. Special education students are in a disadvantaged situation as in other learning platforms. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the place of coding education in developing problem-solving skills of special education students. Within the scope of the study, computer-free coding applications were carried out with the participation of 34 students having the mild intellectual disabilities who are continuing their education in a special education vocational school aged between 14 and 18. An observation form was used to evaluate problem-solving skills. There was a significant difference [t(24)=-7.19, p<.001] between the pre and post-course skills of the students. While the average score of the students’ problem-solving skills was 10.68 in pre-course, in the post-course this score increased to 13.36. The analysis of the findings showed that the students' skill scores in using problem-solving steps have increased in all these steps.
Fixed bed column performance of Tinospora cordifolia for defluoridation of water
Authors: Chakraborty Meena , Pandey Madhurima , Pandey Piyushkant 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A continuous adsorption study in a fixed-bed column was carried out by using Tinospora cordifolia as an adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solution. The effect of flow rate, influent fluoride concentration and bed depth on the adsorption characteristics of adsorbent was investigated at pH 7. The dependencies of breakthrough curves on these parameters were confirmed from the data obtained. Modeling of data was done. Thomas, Yoon–Nelson and Adams–Bohart models were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves. These kinetic models were helpful to determine the characteristic parameters of column designing for defluoridation on a large scale. Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models were found to be more suitable for the description of the breakthrough curve than the Adams–Bohart model in the present study. It was concluded that the Tinospora cordifolia-packed column can be used for effective defluoridation of water.