bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enet Semantic Segmentation Combined with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Bai Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Image semantic segmentation is one of the core tasks of computer vision. It is widely used in fields such as unmanned driving, medical image processing, geographic information systems and intelligent robots. Aiming at the problem that the existing semantic segmentation algorithm ignores the different channel and location features of the feature map and the simple method when the feature map is fused, this paper designs a semantic segmentation algorithm that combines the attention mechanism. Firstly, dilated convolution is used, and a smaller downsampling factor is used to maintain the resolution of the image and obtain the detailed information of the image. Secondly, the attention mechanism module is introduced to assign weights to different parts of the feature map, which reduces the accuracy loss. The design feature fusion module assigns weights to the feature maps of different receptive fields obtained by the two paths, and merges them together to obtain the final segmentation result. Finally, through experiments, it was verified on the Camvid, Cityscapes and PASCAL VOC2012 datasets. Mean intersection over union (MIoU) and mean pixel accuracy (MPA) are used as metrics. The method in this paper can make up for the loss of accuracy caused by downsampling while ensuring the receptive field and improving the resolution, which can better guide the model learning. And the proposed feature fusion module can better integrate the features of different receptive fields. Therefore, the proposed method can significantly improve the segmentation performance compared to the traditional method.
Effectiveness and safety of dabigatran compared to vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and metanalysis.
Authors: Cervantes Carlos Escobar , Barrios Vivencio , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Amin Alpesh N. , Auladell-Rispau Ariadna , Requeijo Carolina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran ‒globally and stratified by dose (110 or 150 mg b.i.d.) compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) from “real world” studies.Methods: A systematic review was performed according to Cochrane methodological standards. The results were reported according to the PRISMA statement. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess risk of bias.Results: A total of 25 studies, corresponding to 27 articles involving 771.468 participants (490.082 exposed to VKA and 281.386 to dabigatran) were eligible for this review. Dabigatran reduced the risk of ischemic stroke compared to VKA, particularly dabigatran 150 mg, with a 15% risk reduction (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74-0.98). Globally, dabigatran reduced the risk of all-cause mortality compared to VKA (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.85), with a greater effect observed with dabigatran 150 mg (HR 0.66, 95%CI 0.58-0.74). There was a trend towards a lower risk of myocardial infarction with dabigatran 150 mg (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.71-1.04). Regarding the primary safety outcomes, dabigatran (either at a dose of 150 mg or 110 mg) reduced the risk of major bleeding compared to VKA (HR 0.74, 95%CI 0.66-0.83), as well as the risk of intracranial bleeding (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.39-0.52) and fatal bleeding (HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.60-0.95), but with a non-significant trend towards a higher gastrointestinal bleeding risk (HR 1.08, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.18). Conclusion: Dabigatran has a favourable impact in effectiveness and safety outcomes compared to VKA in real-world populations.
Direct Treatment of Interaction Between Laser-field and Electrons for Simulating Laser Processing of Metals
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshiyuki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Laser ablation is often simulated by the two-temperature model in which electrons are assumed to be thermirized by laser irradiation, while an explicit representation of interaction between laser-field and electrons is challenging but beneficial as being free from any adjustable parameters. Here, an ab initio method based on the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in which electron-ion dynamics under a laser field are numerically simulated is examined as a tool for simulating femtosecond laser processing of metals. Laser-induced volume expansion and ablation of Cu(111) and Ni(111) surfaces are simulated by using repeating slab models. The amount of simulated volume expansion is compared between Cu(111) and Ni(111) slabs for the same laser pulse conditions, and the Ni slab is found to expand more than the Cu slab despite the smaller thermal expansion coefficient of Ni compared with Cu. The analyzed electronic excitation and lattice motion were compared to those in the two-temperature model. The threshold fluence of Cu ablation deduced from current TDDFT approach is found to be comparable to those reported experimentally.
Unconsciously Guided Behavior With a Bias-Free Measurement of Consciousness
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Kangassalo Veera 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Many researchers believe that unconscious, invisible stimuli can guide behaviour, but convincing evidence for this phenomenon is lacking. The controversy results from the difficulty of defining and measuring consciousness in an unbiased way. We utilized a bias-free 2-interval forced-choice (2IFC) paradigm to study whether orientation or color of unconscious, masked stimuli can guide behaviour. Each trial consisted of two intervals, only one of which contained the target stimulus. The observers were forced to discriminate the orientation or color of the stimulus in each interval, and in the end of the trial they made a 2IFC decision on which one of the intervals the stimulus was present. We focused on the trials in which the 2IFC decision was made incorrectly, suggesting unconsciousness of the presence of the target. In masked trials both orientation and color was discriminated with higher accuracy than expected by chance. Control trials showed that the participants followed the instructions and performed at ceiling in the 2IFC task, indicating that the specific non-perceptual cognitive requirements of the 2IFC task cannot explain the incorrect 2IFC decisions. The present results provide strong evidence for unconsciously guided behaviour. Further studies should examine the constraints of this phenomenon with the unbiased procedure.
Towards a Parsimonious Pathway Model of Modifiable and Mediating Risk Factors Leading to Diabetes Risk
Authors: Ho Yi-Ching Lynn , Lee Vivian Shu Yi , Ho Moon-Ho Ringo , Lin Gladis Jing , Thumboo Julian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: The development of diabetes mellitus has been closely linked to multiple risk factors, of which modifiable factors are of particular interest for disease prevention. Yet few studies have assessed the system of pathways though which risk factors lead to diabetes, and how the different groups of risk factors may interact,both as independent or mediating factors. Methods: We aimed to develop a broad pathway model for diabetes risk with modifiable lifestyle risk factors as the start point, hypothesising that Lifestyle Risk (physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet and insufficient sleep) would impact Diabetes Risk (HbA1c) through the mediating factor of Physiological Load (BMI, resting pulse rate, CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure). The lifestyle and physiological factors were grouped via principal components analysis and a summary index respectively. Non modifiable risk factors, such as sociodemographics were specified as covariates. We used structural equation modeling to test this model, first using Wave 5 data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), as this was the only wave that collected all indicators of interest. To fit in longitudinal data from an earlier wave (IFLS4), we further tested a smaller model with the two Lifestyle Risk indicators available. Results: Both models showed indirect effects of Lifestyle Risk on Diabetes Risk via Physiological Load, with the cross-sectional model also showing a direct effect. The effect sizes were within the range of other studies that assessed the variables separately. Conclusion: Taken together, the results support the model of an indirect effect of Lifestyle Risk on Diabetes through Physiological Load. Specifying Lifestyle Risk as an observable, composite variable incorporates the cumulative effect of risk behaviour and differentiates this study from previous studies assessing it as a latent construct. We were able to assess causality with retrospective cohort data. Finally, the parsimonious model groups and summarises the multifarious risk factors and illustrates parsimonious and modifiable pathways that could be applied in chronic disease prevention efforts.
Shared semiochemicals in a tri-trophic system benefit crop plants
Authors: Aflitto Nicholas C. , Thaler Jennifer S 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Prey commonly use volatile chemicals released from predators to infer the level of danger and can enact phenotypic changes to increase their chance of survival. Because some predators emit volatiles that are also used in plant defense signaling, there is the potential for plants to also respond to predator cues. In the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, predator spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, potato, Solanum tuberosum, system, the beetle responds to the predator aggregation semiochemical, which is comprised of predator-specific compounds and compounds that are known to be used by plants as green leaf volatile signals to induce their own defenses. Given this shared sensory cue in the system we asked the question; is the effect of the predator semiochemical on prey driven by the full predator semiochemical, or are there bioactive compounds in the blend that are also shared with the plants that are responsible for the prey behavioral changes? By fractionating the semiochemical into three treatments (full blend, shared cues, and predator only) and dispensing it in a replicated potato field with free-ranging herbivores, we found that the cues shared with the plant reduced herbivore feeding by 37 percent and the full blend by 41 percent compared to the control or predator specific fraction. Potato plants also responded to the shared cues by growing larger over the season and initiating flowering earlier, indicating that prey responses to the semiochemical could be direct or mediated by the plant’s response to the semiochemical. These findings highlight the potential utility of using shared cues for management purposes. Rather than using a semiochemical treatment that has a single target audience (i.e., the pest), we showed that a cue shared across multiple trophic levels decreased plant damage and increased growth, while eliciting anti-predation behavior in the prey.
The Impact of Time Length to Boolean Remission for Tight Disease Activity Control After Acquisition in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Yoshii Ichiro , Chijiwa Tatsumi , Sawada Naoya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Importance of time length to achieving clinical remission on disease activity control, daily activities (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) maintenance after the remission was investigated for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).In patients who achieved remission once or more, relationship between time length from initiation to achieve remission (TL) and patients’ background data at baseline, and relationship between TL and mean simplified disease activity score (SDAI), modified Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score, pain score with visual analog scale (PS-VAS), Sharp/van der Heijde Score (SHS) and quality of life score (QOLS) at the first remission and thereafter were evaluated statistically. Patients were divided into two groups whether TL was within 6 months or longer (G≤6 and G>6). Change of the parameters and Boolean remission rate (BRR) after the first remission between the two groups were compared statistically.In 465 patients, TL correlated significantly with the SDAI score, the HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and the QOLS after the remission. The SDAI score and the BRR after the first remission were significantly better in the G≤6 than in the G>6.TL is an important key to guarantee good disease activity control, ADL and QOL.
Using Medtronic AP360 Mechanical Prosthesis in Mitral Valve Replacement for Patients with Mitral Insufficiency After Primum Atrial Septal Defect Repair to Reduce Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Risk
Authors: Guo Lei , Yang Qiqi , Han Yu , Zheng Junnan , Ni Yiming 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Atrial septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in adults. Primum atrial septal defect (PASD) accounts for 4% to 5% of congenital heart defects. Patients with PASD frequently suffer mitral insufficiency, and thus, mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) is often required at the time of PASD repair. Unfortunately, recurrent unrepairable severe mitral regurgitation can develop in many patients undergoing PASD repair plus MVP in either short- or long-term after the repair surgery, requiring a re-do MVR. In those patients, risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) has increased.Case presentation: We present 5 such cases who were aged from 24 to 47 years and had a PASD repair plus MVP or MVR for 14 to 40 years, suffering moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. Using Medtronic AP360 mechanical mitral prostheses, only one patient occurred mild LVOTO. Conclusions: Usage of Medtronic AP360 mechanical mitral prostheses to perform MVR in patients with MI who had a PASD repair history can potentially reduce the risk of LVOTO. Long-term follow-up is required to further confirm this clinical benefit associated with AP360 implantation in patients with PASD.
Enhanced Lignin Biodegradation by Consortium of White rot Fungi: Microbial Synergistic Effects and Product Mapping
Authors: Cui Tangwu , Yuan Bo , Guo Haiwei , Tian Hua , Wang Weimin , Ma Yingqun , Li Changzhi , Fei Qiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background : As one of the major components in lignocellulosic biomass, lignin has been considered as the most abundant renewable aromatic feedstock in the world. Featuring with mild conditions and diversity, biological degradation of lignin is a promising approach comparing with thermal or catalytic ones. Results : In this study, a consortium of white rot fungi composed of Lenzites betulina and Trametes versicolor was employed in order to enhance the ligninolytic enzyme activity of laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) under microbial synergism. The maximum enzymatic activity of Lac and MnP was individually 18.06 U·mL-1 and 13.58 U·mL-1 along with a lignin degradation rate of 50%, which were achieved from batch cultivation of the consortium. The activity of Lac and MnP obtained from the consortium was all improved more than 40%, compared with monocultures of L. betulina or T. versicolor under the same culture condition. Our findings of enhanced biodegradation were in accordance with the results observed from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Finally, the analysis of heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) provided a comprehensive product mapping of the lignin biodegradation, suggesting that the lignin has undergone depolymerization of the macromolecules, side-chain cleavage, and aromatic ring-opening reactions. Conclusions : Our results revealed a considerable escalation on the enzymatic activities obtained in a short period from the cultivation of the L. betulina or T. versicolor due to the enhanced microbial synergistic effects, providing a potential bioconversion route for the applications of lignin utilization.
Are Wearable Devices Effective for Preventing and Detecting Falls: An Umbrella Review (A Review of Systematic Reviews)
Authors: Warrington Daniel Joseph , Shortis Elizabeth , Whittaker Paula Jane 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Falls are a common and serious health issue facing the global population, causing an estimated 646,000 deaths per year globally. Wearable devices typically combine accelerometers, gyroscopes and even barometers; using the data collected and inputting this into an algorithm that decides whether a fall has occurred. The purpose of this umbrella review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the systematic reviews on the effectiveness of wearable electronic devices for falls detection in adults.Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), and CINAHL, were searched from their inceptions until April 2019 for systematic reviews that assessed the accuracy of wearable technology in the detection of falls.Results: Seven systematic reviews were included in this review. Due to heterogeneity between the included systematic reviews in their methods and their reporting of results, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Most devices tested used accelerometers, often in combination with gyroscopes. Three systematic reviews reported an average sensitivity of 93.1% or greater and an average specificity of 86.4% or greater for the detection of falls. Placing sensors on the trunk, foot or leg appears to provide the highest accuracy for falls detection, with multiple sensors increasing the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of these devices. Conclusions: This review demonstrated that wearable device technology offers a low-cost and accurate way to effectively detect falls and summon for help. There are significant differences in the effectiveness of these devices depending on the type of device and its placement. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm the accuracy of these devices in frail older people in real-world settings.
Prognostic Value of Fibrinogen in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Prediabetes or Diabetes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Five-year Findings From a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Deshan , Jiang Ping , Zhu Pei , Jia Sida , Zhang Ce , Liu Yue , Liu Ru , Xu Jingjing , Tang Xiaofang , Zhao Xueyan , Gao Runlin , Yang Yuejin , Xu Bo , Gao Zhan , Yuan Jinqing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Fibrinogen (FIB) is an independent risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular events in the general population. However, the relationship between FIB and long-term mortality among CAD patients undergoing PCI remains unclear, especially in individuals complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM) or prediabetes (Pre-DM). Methods: 6,140 patients with CAD undergoing PCI were included in the study and subsequently divided into three groups according to FIB levels (FIB-L, FIB-M, FIB-H). These patients were further grouped by glycemic status [normoglycemia (NG), Pre-DM, DM]. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was cardiac mortality. Results: FIB was positively associated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in CAD patients with and without DM (P <0.001). During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, elevated FIB was significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.28-2.69; P=0.001) and cardiac mortality (adjusted HR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.15-2.89; P=0.011). Similarly, patients with DM, but not Pre-DM, had increased risk of all-cause and cardiac mortality compared with NG group (all P<0.05). When grouped by both FIB levels and glycemic status, diabetic patients with medium and high FIB levels had higher risk of mortality [(adjusted HR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.12-5.89), (adjusted HR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.35-6.82), all P<0.05]. Notably, prediabetic patients with high FIB also had higher mortality risk (adjusted HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.01-5.12). Conclusions: FIB was strongly associated with long-term all-cause and cardiac mortality among CAD patients undergoing PCI, especially in those with DM and Pre-DM. FIB test may help to identify high-risk individuals in this specific population.
Quantification of Vortex Flow in Pulmonary Arteries of Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kamada Hiroki , Ota Hideki , Nakamura Masanori , Sun Wenyu , Aoki Tatsuo , Sato Haruka , Sugimura Koichiro , Takase Kei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study proposes an objective method of quantifying the vortex flow in pulmonary arteries to compare the duration of its presence before and after balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Thoracic 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 28 CTEPH patients before and after BPA. Planes were set in pulmonary arteries to evaluate volume flow rate (VFR), the duration, and area of backward flow in the pulmonary trunk, which is a component of the vortex flow. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the peak of the time course of VFR of backward flow was assessed to quantify the duration of the vortical flow. Results: Although overall flow patterns after BPA appeared to be the same as the one before BPA, significant decreases in the FWHM, area, and VFR of the backward flow after BPA were found (FWHM: before, 1.88×10-1 ± 1.51×10-2 [cardiac cycle] vs. after, 1.65×10-1 ± 1.86×10-2 [cardiac cycle]; area ratio: before, 2.67×10-1 ± 1.30×10-2 vs. after, 2.38×10-1 ± 1.31×10-2; VFR: before, 13.6±2.21 [mL/s] vs. after, 11.3±2.36 [mL/s]). Conclusion: BPA promoted significant decreases in the FWHM, area, and VFR of backward flow in the pulmonary trunk, thereby facilitating efficient blood transport. The tendencies for these changes were to be larger for cases where BPA more greatly decreased the pressure. The results suggest that the FWHM, area, and VFR are useful indicators for the noninvasive evaluation of the therapeutic effects of BPA.
Clinical Analysis of restrictive strabismus secondary to ophthalmic surgery
Authors: Guo Lili , Zhao Zhihua , Miao Zequn , Ouyang Qianru , Xu Xin , Wang Lejin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to report the clinical characteristics and surgical methods of restrictive strabismus secondary to ophthalmic surgery. Methods: This retrospective case series covered 14 restrictive strabismus cases secondary to ophthalmic surgery. After evaluation of the clinical history and the basic ophthalmological findings, the following parameters were examined: squint angles (prism with alternative cover test, Krimsky’s test or Maddox cross), ocular motility, duction test and the forced duction test. All paitients underwent surgery, the strabismus surgery included the excision of adhesions and scar tissue, adhesiolysis, medial and lateral ligaments separated, repositioning of extraocular muscles (according to the degree of deviations). We described the clinical characteristics and evaluated the surgical results in strabismus eyes. Results: All patients were satisfied with the results of surgery, obtained anatomical reduction and partial functional recovery. In nine cases with preoperative diplopia, eight cases had no diplopia after surgery and one patient’s diplopia disappeared after the secondary surgery. The other five cases without preoperative diplopia, but had restricted ocular motility, which improved significantly than before surgery. Conclusions: Orbital surgery, trauma, conjunctival surgery, strabismus surgery and so on, can lead to secondary restrictive strabismus surgery. Strabismus surgical treatments including the full removal of the muscles around the scar, adhesiolysis, medial and lateral ligaments separated, eye muscle surgery, can provide excellent results and patient’s satisfaction.