bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Noise Correlation Coefficient on Joint Recursive Least Squares Parameters and State Estimation of Linear Stochastic State-Space System
Authors: Elamin Khalid Abd El Mageed Hag 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The aim of this article is to investigate how to estimate parameters and states jointly for the linear stochastic system with deterministic control inputs. The cross-correlation between process noise and measurement noise in Kalman filtering re-formation cycles is utilized to derive a Kalman filtering with correlated noises based recursive generalized extended least squares (KF-CN-RGELS) algorithm for jointly estimating parameters and system states. The performance analysis of different correlation coefficients between process and measurement noises shows that the accuracy of the identified parameters and states is proportional to the positive correlation coefficients. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Investigating root architectural differences in lines of Arabidopsis with altered stomatal density using high resolution X-Ray Synchrotron imaging.
Authors: Mawodza Tinashe , Menon Manoj , Muringai Nancy , Magdysyuk Oxana V , Burca Genoveva , Casson Stuart 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Freshwater is an increasingly scarce natural resource, essential for agricultural production. As plants consume 70% of the world’s freshwater, a reduction in their water use would greatly reduce global water scarcity. Plants with improved Water Use Efficiency (WUE) such as those with altered expression of the Epidermal Patterning Factor (EPF) family of genes regulating stomatal density, could help reduce plant water footprint. Little however, is known about how this modification in Arabidopsis thaliana affects root architectural development in soil, thus we aim to improve our understanding of this growth.
Methods
We used X-Ray synchrotron and neutron imaging to measure in three dimensions, the root system architecture (RSA) of Arabidopsis plants of three different genotypes, namely that of the wild type Columbia (Col 0) and two different EPF mutants, EPF2OE and epf2-1 (which show reduced and increased stomatal density respectively). We also used total biomass and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) method to determine now WUE varies in these genotypes when grown in a sandy loam soil under controlled conditions.
Results
Our results confirm that the EPF2OE line had superior WUE as compared to the wild type using both the Δ and total biomass method. The epf2-1 mutant on the other hand, had significantly reduced WUE using the Δ but not in the biomass method. In terms of root growth, the RSA of the different genotypes had no significant difference between each other. There was also no significant difference in rhizosphere porosity around their roots as compared to bulk soil for all genotypes.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that the EPF mutation altering stomatal density in Arabidopsis plants did not have an adverse effect on root characteristics thus their wide adoption to reduce the global freshwater footprint is unlikely to compromise their soil foraging ability.
Lean NAFLD is histologically less severe and tends to affect older patients
Authors: Wu Xiaojuan , Tang Qiyuan , Zhou Xuan , Li Zhiyu , Lai Changxiang , Chen Ruikun , Xian Wenjie , Zhou Guangde , Wang Fang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to obesity; little is known regarding NAFLD in lean individuals. This study aimed to determine pathological characteristics of lean NAFLD. Methods: The study enrolled biopsy-proven NAFLD patients from the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen from September 2017 to October 2021. Eighty-one patients were enrolled and classified into lean or obese groups by body mass index. Histology severity was assessed according to the steatosis-activity-fibrosis (SAF) score and was compared between lean and obese groups.Results: Among 81 patients, 12 (14.81%) were lean and 74 (91.36%) had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Lean NAFLD patients had less severe degree of activity (P=0.004) and fibrosis (P =0.047) and a lower proportion of NASH (P<0.001). No differences in steatosis (P=0.215) or advanced fibrosis (P=0.217) were observed. Lean NAFLD (43.83±10.28 vs 36.13±9.85 years, P<0.001) and NASH patients (46.29±12.83 vs 36.12±9.89 years, P=0.014) were older than obese NAFLD/NASH patients. The proportion of lean NAFLD/NASH patients in-creased with age. Compared with obese NAFLD patients, lean NAFLD patients had lower pro-portions of NASH (98.18% vs 42.86%, P<0.001) among patients aged <45 years and less severe fibrosis (P=0.046) among patients aged ≥45 years. No difference in steatosis/activity/fibrosis was observed between the two age groups (<45 years and ≥45 years) among lean NAFLD patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, fewer severe pathological changes were found in lean NAFLD patients. Histological progress was not significant between lean NAFLD patients aged <45 years and those aged ≥45 years.
Covering reinforced staples with polyethylene glycolic acid felt-covered fibrin sealant to prevent pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatomy : a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Kawasaki Keishi , Hayashi Tatsuya , Takahashi Makoto , Morita Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
In accordance with previous reports of the utility of polyethylene glycolic acid (PGA) felt and fibrin glue for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), we usually perform distal pancreatectomy (DP) with a PGA felt reinforcement stapler when treating a pancreatic stump with DP, then cover the stump with PGA felt and fibrin glue (the PPF method).
Methods
127 DP performed in our department between January 2008 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the risk factors of POPF and the postoperative course of patients receiving the PPF method of treatment versus those receiving the conventional treatment.
Results
In the PPF method, CR-POPF tended to decrease, and POPF showed a significant decrease. The duration of drainage and the length of postoperative hospitalization were also significantly shorter with the PPF method. The risk of CR-POPF significantly decreased with the PPF method if the pancreas was thick (> 13.5 mm) or the patients were obese.
Conclusions
The PPF method is useful for POPF in DP and is particularly effective when a thick pancreas or an obese patient is involved. Removing the drainage tube early in the PPF method may lead to early discharge.
Deep Learning Based Covid-19 Diagnosis Using Lung Images
Authors: B Vijayakumari , S Ramya , M Karthika Subhashini 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In 2019, a new virus named corona virus had changed the life of every individual in the world. As the number of covid positive cases had been increased, it causes a very big pressure in the medical field. To overcome this situation, we are in need of some algorithm which predicts whether the person is affected by COVID-19 or not. The most known deep learning method is used to detect whether the person’s lung is affected by covid or not. In this project, lung CT images are segmented and then it is given into the simple convolutional neural network. The image segmentation techniques followed are canny edge detection, thresholding technique and U-Net algorithm. From these techniques the better one is chosen and its result is pushed into the convolutional neural network. By segmenting the image and then predicting whether the lung is affected by covid or not increases the accuracy rate and the accuracy value is 95%.
Towards FAIRification of Sensitive and Fragmented Rare Disease Patient Data: Challenges and Solutions in European Reference Network Registries
Authors: Vieira Bruna dos Santos , Bernabé César H. , Zhang Shuxin , Abaza Haitham , Benis Nirupama , Cámara Alberto , Cornet Ronald , Cornec Clémence M. A. Le , Hoen Peter A.C. ’t , Schaefer Franz , Velde K. Joeri van der , Swertz Morris A. , Wilkinson Mark D. , Jacobsen Annika , Roos Marco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction Rare disease patient data are typically sensitive, present in multiple registries controlled by different custodians, and non-interoperable. Making these data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) for humans and machines at source enables federated discovery and analysis across data custodians. This facilitates accurate diagnosis, optimal clinical management, and personalised treatments. In Europe, twenty-four European Reference Networks (ERNs) work on rare disease registries in different clinical domains. The process and the implementation choices for making data FAIR (‘FAIRification’) differ among ERN registries. For example, registries use different software systems and are subject to different legal regulations. To support the ERNs in making informed decisions and to harmonise FAIRification, the FAIRification steward team was established to work as liaisons between ERNs and researchers from the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases. Results The FAIRification steward team inventoried the FAIRification challenges of the ERN registries and proposed solutions collectively with involved stakeholders to address them. Ninety-eight FAIRification challenges from 24 ERNs’ registries were collected and categorised into “training” (31), “community” (9), “modelling” (12), “implementation” (26), and “legal” (20). After curating and aggregating highly similar challenges, 41 unique FAIRification challenges remained. The two categories with the most challenges were ”training” (15) and ”implementation” (9), followed by “community” (7), and then “modelling” (5) and “legal” (5). To address all challenges, eleven types of solutions were proposed. Among them, the provision of guidelines and the organisation of training activities resolved the ”training” challenges, which ranged from less-technical ”coffee-rounds” to technical workshops, from informal FAIR Games to formal hackathons. Obtaining implementation support from technical experts was the solution type for tackling the ”implementation” challenges. Conclusion This work shows that a dedicated team of FAIR data stewards is an asset for harmonising the various processes of making data FAIR in a large organisation with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, multi-levelled training activities are required to accommodate the diverse needs of the ERNs. Finally, the lessons learned from the experience of the FAIRification steward team described in this paper may help to increase FAIR awareness and provide insights into FAIRification challenges and solutions of rare disease registries.
Cardiovascular disease outcomes among established cigar users 40 years and older: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, Waves 1- 5 (2013-2019)
Authors: Sharma Eva , Tang Zhiqun , Lauten Kristin , Silveira Marushka L. , Delnevo Cristine , Edwards Kathryn C. , Marshall Daniela , Gaalema Diann E. , Zandberg Izabella , Graham-Glover Bria , Rivers Derick L. , Imoisili Omoye , Neal Kirstie , Niaura Raymond , Bansal-Travers Maansi , Hyland Andrew , Cummings K. Michael 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between established cigar use and prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD; congestive heart failure, stroke, or heart attack/needed bypass surgery) among U.S. adults, 40 years or older. The study also explored if years of use, is associated with CVD prevalence. Methods: Using Waves 1-5 (2013-2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of U.S. adults and youth, pooled prevalence, restricted to adults 40 and older who provided data at every wave (N=10,128 unique respondents and Nobs=46,294;), was estimated to understand the association between established cigar use and self-reported CVD outcomes. Weighted generalized estimating equations were used to examine CVD outcomes among exclusive current/former established cigar smokers (ever cigar smokers who have smoked fairly regularly), exclusive current/former established cigarette smokers (lifetime smokers of 100 or more cigarettes), dual current/former established cigarette and cigar smokers compared to never smokers of cigars or cigarettes, adjusting for covariates. Results: The incidence of CVD among exclusive current/former established cigar smokers over a six-year period was low (overall average rate of 3.0%). The pooled-prevalence of CVD outcome was very similar among exclusive current/former established cigar smokers (10.7%; 95% CI: 7.0-16.1) and exclusive current/former established cigarette smokers (10.7%; 95% CI: 9.4-12.2) and slightly higher among dual users of cigars and cigarettes (14.3%; 95% CI: 11.8-17.1). Compared to never users, exclusive current/former established cigar smokers (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11-2.51) and exclusive current/former established cigarette smokers (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.45-3.09) were more likely to have any CVD outcome in unadjusted analyses. When adjusted for covariates, only exclusive current/former established cigarette use was associated with CVD outcomes (AOR = 1.63, CI: 1.05-2.53). We did not find a consistent dose response relationship between duration of exclusive current/former established cigar use and CVD prevalence. Conclusions: Understanding how cigar use impacts CVD is important in reducing tobacco-related mortality and morbidity. In this study, exclusive established use of cigars or duration of exclusive cigar use was not associated with CVD prevalence compared to never cigar or cigarette smokers.
Synthesis,characterization and biological activities of nitrogen-containing Combretastatin A-4 derivatives
Authors: Tang Hui , Liu Yunli , Nie Hui , Xue Kangyan , Huang Jinwen , Wu Fanhong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The new compounds 6a-6d and 9a-12c were synthesized from starting material. The intermediate (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) acrylic acid was used to synthesis a series of combretastatin A-4(CA-4) analogues containing nitrogen atoms and nitrogen heterocycles were synthesized by condensation reaction, reduction reaction, hydrolysis reaction and Crutius rearrangement. All new compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The antitumor cytotoxicity of a series of newly synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro toward the cell line of hepatoma cell with erianin as positive control. Amoung all the compound, 6b demonstrated the most antitumor activity with the inhibition rate 93.85%.
Soil improvement and tomato production affected by tillage and drip irrigation with saline water in heavy coastal saline soil
Authors: Feng Di , Sun Chitao , Li Xiaobin , Wan Shuqin , Li Caixia , Ning Songrui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Establishing rational method for irrigation with saline water is the key to improve the agroecological environment in heavy coastal saline soil. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Bohai Rim region, China. Three tillage modes [undisturbed soil without planting (UP), ridge tillage without irrigation (TW) and with drip irrigation (T)] were designed to investigate the effect of tillage on salt leaching. Five treatments of irrigation water salinity [ECw of 0.7 (T1), 3.2 (T2), 4.7 (T3), 6.2 (T4) and 7.8 (T5) dS/m] were designed under T mode to investigate the effects of ECw on salinity (ECe) and alkalinity (SAR and pHe) of soil and tomato production and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Results showed the soil desalination rate (SDR) of T mode was the highest than the TW and UP modes. The linear relationships between ECw and SDR, irrigation amount and SDR were observed. The final mean ECe and SAR for T1 to T5 dropped by 58.5–65.3% and 33.7–42.3%, respectively. The final mean soil pHe for T1-T5 treatments from 7.82 dropped to 7.75, 7.38, 7.44, 7.36 and 7.16, respectively. The survival rate decreased with the increment of ECw, and exceeded 90% when ECw below 7.8 dS/m. As ECw below 4.7 dS/m, growth and yield of tomato and IWUE were not inhibited. The relationships between ECw and survival rate, relative yield, relative IWUE and qualities were quantified, respectively. Using ECw below 3.9 dS/m under T mode was the recommended to successful cultivating and high-quality production of tomato in heavy coastal saline soil.
Quality of multiple-choice questions used in medical internship qualification examination at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Lalem Menber , Sendekie Tegbar Yigzaw , Eyowas Fantu Abebe 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Assessment of cognitive competence is a major element of the internship qualification exam in undergraduate medical education in Ethiopia. Assessing the quality of exam items can help to improve the validity of assessments and assure stakeholders about the accuracy of the go/no decision to the internship. However, we know little about the quality of exam items utilized to ascertain fitness to join the medical internship. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the quality of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) of the qualification exam administered to final-year medical students at DTU, Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the psychometric qualities of 120 randomly selected MCQs and 407 distractors. Item characteristics were estimated using the item response theory (IRT) model. T-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests were run to analyze the univariate association between factors. Spearman correlation test was done to determine the predictive validity of the qualification examination. Result: Overall, 16%, 51%, and 33% of the items had high, moderate, and low distractor efficiency, respectively. About two-thirds (65.8%) of the items had two or more functioning distractors and 42.5% exhibited a desirable difficulty index. However, 77.8% of items administered in the qualification examination had a negative or poor discrimination index. Four and five option items didn’t show significant differences in psychometric qualities. The qualification exam showed a positive predictive value of success in the national licensing examination (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.5).Conclusions: The difficulty index, functionality of distractors, and item reliability were acceptable, while the discrimination index was poor. Five option items didn’t have better psychometric qualities than the four options. Student performance in the qualification examination had a positive predictive validity. Items used for high-stake examinations need to be designed carefully and reviewed before administration.
Using a multiplex serological assay to estimate time since SARS-CoV-2 infection and past clinical presentation in Malagasy patients
Authors: NDIAYE Mame Diarra Bousso , RASOLOHARIMANANA Lova Tsikiniaina , RAZAFIMAHATRATRA Solohery Lalaina , RATOVOSON Rila , RASOLOFO Voahangy , RANAIVOMANANA Paulo , RASKINE Laurent , HOFFMANN Jonathan , RANDREMANANA Rindra Vatosoa , RAKOTOSAMIMANANA Niaina , SCHOENHALS Matthieu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The world is facing a 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this context, efficient serological assays are needed to accurately describe the humoral responses against the virus. These tools could potentially provide temporal and clinical characteristics and are thus paramount in developing-countries lacking sufficient ongoing COVID-19 epidemic descriptions.Methods: We developed and validated a Luminex xMAP® multiplex serological assay targeting specific IgM and IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike subunit 1 (S1), Spike subunit 2 (S2), Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and the Nucleocapsid Protein (NP). Blood samples collected periodically for 12 months from 43 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Madagascar were tested for these antibodies. A random forest algorithm was used to build a predictive model of time since infection and symptom presentation.Findings: The performance of the multiplex serological assay was evaluated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 anti-IgG and anti-IgM antibodies. Both sensitivity and specificity were equal to 100% (89.85-100) for S1, RBD and NP (S2 had a lower specificity = 95%) for IgG at day 14 after enrolment. This multiplex assay compared with two commercialized ELISA kits, showed a higher sensitivity. Principal Component Analysis was performed on serologic data to group patients according to time of sample collection and clinical presentations. The random forest algorithm built by this approach predicted symptom presentation and time since infection with an accuracy of 87.1% (95% CI = 70.17-96.37, p-value = 0.0016), and 80% (95% CI = 61.43-92.29, p-value = 0.0001) respectively. Interpretation: This study demonstrates that the statistical model predicts time since infection and previous symptom presentation using IgM and IgG response to SARS-CoV2. This tool may be useful for global surveillance, discriminating recent- and past- SARS-CoV-2 infection, and assessing disease severity.
Spherical Aberration and Scattering Compensation in Digital Imaging by a New Blind Deconvolution Method
Authors: Avila Francisco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The optical quality of an image depends on both the optical properties of the imaging system and the physical properties of the medium the light travels from the object to the final imaging plane. Computation of the Point Spread Function (PSF) of an optical system is the most extended assessment method. This PSF can be affected by the diffraction and aberrations that degrade the image. Moreover, if a turbid medium is present, the scattering effects spread the light over a wide angular distribution. If the mathematical operator that degrades the final image is known, then the image can be restored using deconvolution methods. In extreme cases in which the PSF is unknown, blind deconvolution procedures are the only way to perform restoration. In this study, a new approach based on blind deconvolution theory is proposed to restore images from spherical aberration and light scattering contributions. The algorithm was tested using both theoretical and experimental imaging techni ques. The results showed the capability of the method to generate theoretical quasi-optimal SA and scattering PSFs, and then restoe both pathological and astronomical imaging without prior information on the real PSF.
Magnon mode transition in real space
Authors: Iida Kazuki , Kodama Katsuaki , Inamura Yasuhiro , Nakamura Mitsutaka , Chang Lieh-Jeng , Shamoto Shin-ichi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Spin excitation of an ilmenite FeTiO 3 powder sample is measured by time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering. The dynamic magnetic pair-density function DM(r, E) is obtained from the dynamic magnetic structure factor SM(Q, E) by the Fourier transformation. The real space spin dynamics exhibit magnon mode transitions in the spin-spin correlation with increasing energy from no-phase-shift to p-phase-shift. The mode transition is a unique feature in this real space image, which does not correspond directly to the reciprocal space magnon dispersions. This analysis provides a novel opportunity to study the local spin dynamics of various magnetic systems.