bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Joint State and Parameter Estimation of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems Through Alternating Optimization
Authors: Cheng Changming , Lin Miaomiao , Zhang Guanzhen , Peng Zhike , Meng Guang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A key challenge in the data-driven identification method of nonlinear dynamical systems is developing methods robust to measurement error. Many existing methods either depend on de-noising prior to learning or have a poor identification performance. This paper proposes a novel joint state and parameter estimation method for nonlinear dynamical systems through alternating optimization. The new method can effectively remove or at least attenuate the effect of noise via alternatingly updating the state variables and parameters in nonlinear dynamical systems. The proposed identification framework mainly contains four steps. Firstly, initial estimations of state variables (displacement and velocity) are derived by using the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS)-based de-noising method. Secondly, using the initial estimation of state variables, the nonlinear structure and parameters are identified by using the sparse regression and Duhamel’s integral, which can correctly select the contributing nonlinear component and identify the parameters. By using the Duhamel’s integral, the second derivative of the displacement signal which is sensitive to noise is no longer required. Thirdly, to further improve the identification accuracy, the state variables are updated based on the identified structure and parameters using the numerical integration. Finally, estimation of the nonlinear structure and parameters in step 2 and update of state variables in step 3 are alternatingly optimized until convergence. The numerical simulations and a dynamic experiment validate the effectiveness of the new identification method developed in this paper.
Understanding the multilevel determinants of clinicians’ imaging decision-making: Setting the stage for de-implementation of low-value imaging
Authors: Hwang Soohyun , Birken Sarah A. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Elston-Lafata Jennifer , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Spees Lisa P. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: De-implementation requires targeting multilevel determinants of low-value care. The objective of this study was to identify multilevel determinants of imaging for prostate cancer (PCa) and asymptomatic microhematuria (AMH), two common urologic conditions that have contributed substantially to the approximately $30 billion spent annually on unnecessary imaging in the US.Methods: We used a convergent mixed-methods approach involving survey and interview data. Using a survey, we asked 33 clinicians (55% response rate) to indicate their imaging approach to 8 clinical vignettes designed to elicit responses that would demonstrate guideline-concordant/discordant imaging practices for describing patients with PCa or AMH. A subset of survey respondents (N=7) participated in semi-structured interviews guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), whose combination has offered comprehensive understanding of multilevel implementation determinants. We analyzed the interviews using a directed content analysis approach. For each clinical condition, we identified relevant constructs/domains based on the frequencies with which the construct/domain was mentioned across interviews. We then identified subthemes within each construct/domain and examined subtheme similarities and differences across the two clinical conditions.Results: The majority of clinicians chose guideline-concordant imaging behaviors for PCa; guideline-concordant imaging intentions were more varied for AMH. Imaging decisions for both PCa and AMH were often driven by national guidelines from major professional societies. However, when clinicians felt that guidelines were inadequate, they reported that their decision-making was influenced by their knowledge of recent scientific evidence, past clinical experiences, and the anticipated benefits of imaging (or not imaging) to both the patient and the clinician. In particular, clinicians referred to patients’ anxiety and uncertainty which were, at times, resolved through more intensive diagnostic imaging. Patients’ clinical factors also informed clinicians’ imaging decisions. For AMH patients, clinicians additionally expressed concerns regarding legal liability risk.Conclusions: Our study identified comprehensive multilevel determinants of imaging to inform development of de-implementation interventions to reduce low-value imaging, using CFIR+TDF, which we found useful for identifying determinants of de-implementation. De-implementation interventions should be tailored to address the contextual determinants that are specific to each clinical condition.
Assessing the specification of modelling language semantics: A study on UML PSSM
Authors: Elekes Márton , Molnár Vince , Micskei Zoltán 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Modelling languages play a central role in developing complex, critical systems. Having a precise, comprehensible, and high-quality modelling language specification is essential to all the different stakeholders using, implementing, or extending the language. Many good practices can be found that improve the understandability or consistency of the languages' semantics. However, designing a modelling language intended for a large audience is still challenging. In this paper, we investigate how to assess the specification of modelling language semantics: (i) how it helps professionals to understand the language (ii) whether it contains errors, contradictions, ambiguities, and (iii) how suitable it is to assess the correctness of the related modelling tools. We identified the various stakeholders' viewpoints on the language and argued why understanding the semantics is crucial for all of them, although on different levels that can be supported by different artefacts. Next, we assessed a state-of-the-art specification for a general-purpose modelling language, the Precise Semantics of UML State Machines (PSSM). We reviewed the text of the specification, analysed and executed PSSM's conformance test suite, and categorized our experiences according to questions that are generally relevant for modelling languages. Finally, we made recommendations for improving the development of future modelling languages by representing the semantic domain and traces more explicitly, applying diverse test design techniques to obtain conformance test suites, and using various tools to support early-phase language design.
Origin of active sites on silica-magnesia catalysts and control of reactive environment in the one-step ethanol-to-butadiene process
Authors: Chung Sang-Ho , Li Teng , Shoinkhorova Tuiana , Ramirez Adrian , Mukhambetov Ildar , Abou-Hamad Edy , Shterk Genrikh , Telalovic Selvedin , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Sirks Bart , Lavrik Polina , Tang Xinqi , Weckhuysen Bert , Bruijnincx Pieter , Gascon Jorge , Ruiz-Martinez Javier 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Wet-kneaded silica–magnesia is a benchmark catalyst for the one–step ethanol-to-butadiene Lebedev process. Magnesium silicates, formed during wet-kneading, have been proposed as active sites responsible for butadiene formation, and their catalytic performance has been mainly explained by the variations in the ratio of acid and base sites. While the Lebedev process was developed in the 1930s, However, a detailed insight into how the peculiar, yet essential wet-kneading synthesis leads to the generation, location, and catalytic role of magnesium silicates has not been fully established. Here, we demonstrate that magnesium silicates formation occurs via dissolution of Si and Mg subunits from SiO2 and Mg(OH)2 precursors, initiated by the alkaline pH of the aqueous wet-kneading medium, followed by cross-deposition of the dissolved species on the precursor surfaces. Building on these new insights, two individual model systems (Mg/SiO2 and Si/MgO) were synthesized, representative of the constituents of the wet-kneaded silica–magnesia catalyst, by selective dissolution/deposition induced by pH alteration of the aqueous wet-kneading medium. Using these model catalysts, we demonstrate that the location of the magnesium silicates (i.e., Mg on SiO2 or Si on MgO) governs not only their chemical nature but also the ethanol adsorption configuration, which ultimately cause the catalyst material to be selective mainly for ethylene or butadiene. We demonstrate close proximity at the particle level of the of acid and basic sites is a prerequisite to promote the butadiene formation. The insights gained from the new structure–performance relationships that correlate catalytic activity with types and nature of magnesium silicates can offer new possibilities for the development of next generation Lebedev catalysts.
Effects of a monoclonal antibody against (pro)renin receptor on gliomagenesis
Authors: Fujimori Takeshi , Shibayama Yuki , Kanda Takahiro , Suzuki Kenta , Ogawa Daisuke , Ishikawa Ryo , Kadota Kyuichi , Matsunaga Toru , Miyake Keisuke , Nishiyama Akira , Tamiya Takashi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Glioblastoma is characterized by a strong self-renewal potential and poor differentiated state. We have reported previously that the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is a potential target for glioma therapy by silencing the (P)RR gene. Here, we have examined the effects of a monoclonal antibody against (P)RR on gliomagenesis. Methods: Human glioma cell lines (U251MG and U87MG) and a glioma stem cell line (MGG23) were used for the in vitro study. The expressions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (Wnt signaling pathway) components and stemness markers were measured by Western blotting. The effects of the (P)RR antibody on cell proliferation, sphere formation, apoptosis and invasion were also examined. Subcutaneous xenografts were also examined in nude mice. Results: Treatment with the (P)RR antibody reduced expression of Wnt signaling pathway components and stemness markers. Furthermore, the (P)RR antibody reduced cell proliferation and decreased sphere formation significantly. The treatment also suppressed invasion and induced apoptosis. In a subcutaneous xenograft model, systemic administration of the (P)RR antibody reduced tumor volume significantly. Conclusion: These data show that treatment with the (P)RR antibody is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating glioblastoma.
Potential Off-flavour Scavenging Role of Isoflavones in Soybean
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Banerjee Sagar , Kaur Amandeep , Sasi Minnu , Kumari Sweta , Sachdev Archana , Dahuja Anil 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is a nutrient-rich crop but has limited consumer acceptability because of the presence of off-flavour. Owing to the ubiquity of isoflavones in soybean, their inherent antioxidant potential, and inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase activity, their sensorial attribute in mitigating off-flavour is currently being envisaged. We estimated the content and composition of isoflavones in 17 soybean cultivars and established the correlation between isoflavone profile and lipid peroxidation, which was measured in terms of Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number and carbonyl value. The results showed a significant negative correlation of these parameters with the total isoflavone content and genistein: daidzein ratio. Besides, expression analysis of a key gene involved in isoflavone biosynthesis i.e., isoflavone synthase (IFS1 and IFS2) in contrasting soybean genotypes during seed development revealed a higher expression of both isoforms in Bragg (High isoflavone) as compared to PUSA 40 (Low isoflavone) at different stages of seed development accompanied by more isoflavone accumulation. The cloning and in silico analysis of IFS isoforms revealed a more significant interaction with other biosynthesis enzymes by the IFS2, indicating its more substantial role in isoflavone synthesis. IFS2 overexpression thus can be a valuable target to increase isoflavone biosynthesis, thereby scavenging off-flavour.
Demographic, socio-economic, obstetric, and behavioral factors associated with small-and large- for-gestational-age from a prospective, population-based pregnancy cohort in rural Nepal: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Hazel Elizabeth , Mohan Diwakar , Zeger Scott , Mullany Luke C. , Tielsch James M. , Khatry Subarna K. , Subedi Seema , LeClerq Steven C. , Black Robert E. , Katz Joanne 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundIn South Asia, a third of babies are born small-for-gestational age (SGA) accounting for a quarter of all neonatal deaths. The risk factors are well described in the literature, but many studies are in high-and-middle income countries or measure SGA on facility births only. There are fewer studies that describe the prevalence of risk factors for large-for-gestational age (LGA) in low-income countries. We aim to describe the factors associated with SGA and LGA in a population-based cohort of pregnant women in rural Nepal. MethodsThis is a secondary data analysis of a community-based trial where women were assessed for pregnancy approximately every five weeks. Demographic, socio-economic status (SES), medical/obstetric history, and timing of last menstruation were collected on pregnant women at enrollment. Vital signs, illness symptoms, and antenatal care (ANC) attendance were collected throughout the pregnancy and neonatal weight was measured for live births. We conducted multivariate analysis using multinomial logistic regression. Outcomes were SGA, LGA compared to appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) and were multiply imputed using birthweight recalibrated to time 0, at delivery.Results In the adjusted analysis, SGA was associated with lower SES, zero parity, interpregnancy intervals less than 18 months, poor appetite/vomiting in the second trimester, and swelling of hands/face in the third trimester. Parity greater than five, male fetal sex, and increased weight gain were protective for SGA. Many of these factors were inversely associated with LGA. Additionally, four or more ANC visits and respiratory symptoms in the third trimester were negatively associated with LGA, and maternal age <18 years and respiratory symptoms in the second trimester were positively associated with LGA. Conclusions Our findings are in line with known risk factors for SGA. Because the prevalence and mortality risk of LGA babies is low in this population, it is likely LGA status does not indicate underlaying illness. High quality antenatal care, monitoring for appropriate gestational weight gain and increased monitoring of women with high-risk pregnancies may reduce prevalence and improve outcomes of SGA babies. Trial RegistrationThe study used in this secondary data analysis was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01177111.
Identification of Necroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNAs for Immunotherapy Selection and Prognosis Prediction in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Lin Yilin , Lin Suyong , Yang Xiaoyu , Chen Shao-Qin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Tumor recurrence and metastasis lead to a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Necroptosis is closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affects tumor recurrence and metastasis. We aimed to stratify CRC patients according to necroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which can be used to not only evaluate prognosis and improve precision medicine in clinical practice but also evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy and guide the selection of immunotherapeutic methods. Methods: A lncRNA expression profile was collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Necroptosis-related lncRNAs were identified by coexpression analysis. Cox regression analysis identified a necroptosis-related lncRNA signature. Then, the value of this signature was comprehensively and multidimensionally evaluated, and its fidelity was assessed with clinical CRC data and compared with that of six other lncRNA signatures for CRC prognosis prediction. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), TME analysis and prediction of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were also performed according to the risk score (RS) of the signature. Results: An 8-lncRNA signature significantly associated with overall survival (OS) was constructed, and its fidelity was validated with clinical CRC data. Most of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUCs) for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS for this signature were higher than those for the other six lncRNA signatures. OS, disease-specific survival (DSS) and the progression-free interval (PFI) were all significantly poorer in the high-risk group. The RS of the signature showed good concordance with the predicted prognosis, with AUCs for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS of 0.79, 0.81 and 0.77, respectively. Additionally, the calibration plots for this signature combined with clinical factors could effectively improve the ability to predict OS. The RS was correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Most of the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) terms were tumor metastasis-related pathways in the high-risk group, which showed greater infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), hematopoietic stem cells and M2 macrophages, but fewer infiltrating antitumor effector immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). We explored additional potential immune checkpoint genes and immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic drugs with relatively low IC50 values. Conclusions: We identified a signature with strong fidelity that could stably predict prognosis and might be implicated in the TME and metastasis of CRC. Furthermore, additional potential immune checkpoint genes and immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic drugs were explored.
Potentially inappropriate medications in older Chinese outpatients based on the Beers criteria and Chinese criteria
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Zhaoyan , Tian Fangyuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
Polypharmacy increases the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drugs (PIMs) among older persons, lowering their quality of life. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of PIMs in older Chinese outpatients according to the Beers criteria and the Chinese criteria and to analyze the risk factors. Second, we describe the differences between the two criteria, focusing on the inappropriate prescription of drugs in older outpatients.
Methods
In Chengdu, Southwest China, a retrospective study was undertaken using electronic medical data from 9 medical institutions. Outpatients above the age of 60 who were treated in the Geriatrics Center of these medical institutions were included. The Beers criteria and the Chinese criteria were used to evaluate the PIM status of older outpatients, and logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for PIMs.
Results
There were 44,458 prescriptions from 2016 to 2018. The prevalence of PIMs among older outpatients was 30.05% (according to the Beers criteria) and 35.38% (according to the Chinese criteria). Estazolam, hydrochlorothiazide and alprazolam were the top three PIMs in the Beers criteria, while the top three PIMs in the Chinese criteria were clopidogrel, estazolam and insulin. The prevalence of PIMs was associated with age, the number of diseases and the number of drugs. PIMs were shown to be more common in patients aged 70 and above, with more than 2 kinds of diseases and more than 4 kinds of drugs.
Conclusion
PIMs were shown to be common among older outpatients in China, according to this study. The detection rate of the Chinese criteria was higher than that of the Beers criteria.
Improvement Learning Using a Fully Integrated Neuro-Inspired Memristor Chip
Authors: Wu Huaqiang , Gao Bin , Zhang Wenbin , Yao Peng , Liu Qi , Wu Dong , Zhang Qingtian , Xu Minghong , Zhou Ying , Zhu Zhenhua , Cai Yi , Wu Dabin , Tang Jianshi , Qian He , Wang Yu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Future neuro-inspired computing chips will feature high energy efficiency and extensive learning capabilities. Among these features, improvement learning is of great importance for edge intelligence devices to adapt to different application scenes and owners. However, current technologies for training neural networks greatly rely on large-scale computers, which are based on von Neumann architectures and complex digital circuits. The huge energy costs of moving massive data between computing and memory units and processing high-precision data hinder the implementation of improvement learning on edge devices. Here, we report improvement learning with a low-power full-system-integrated memristor-based neuro-inspired computing chip. We propose a memristor-featured analogue in-memory computing architecture for implementing on-chip learning efficiently and integrate ~160K memristor cells with complete peripheral circuits in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible technology. We demonstrate the on-chip learning of both new samples and new classes across various tasks, including motion control, image classification, and speech recognition. The energy consumption of the memristor chip for learning is three orders of magnitudes lower than that of a central processing unit (CPU)-based system based on hardware system measurements. This study is an important step toward the learning chips with much higher energy efficiency, which will facilitate the development of future smart edge devices that can adapt to all kinds of special scenes.
Personal risk or societal benefit? Investigating adults’ support for COVID-19 childhood vaccination
Authors: Chiavenna Chiara , Leone Laura P. , Melegaro Alessia , Rotesi Tiziano , Bokemper Scott E. , Paintsil Elliott E. , Malik Amyn A. , Huber Gregory A. , Omer Saad B. , Cucciniello Maria , Pin Paolo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Parental hesitancy poses a serious threat to the success of the COVID-19 childhood vaccination campaign. We investigate whether adults' opinions on childhood vaccination can be influenced via two survey experiments in Italy (n=3,524 participants) and the UK (n=3,066 participants). Respondents were randomly assigned to: a “risk treatment” that highlighted the potential risks of COVID-19 to a child, a “herd immunity treatment” that emphasized the community benefits of pediatric vaccination, or a control message. Participants’ probability of supporting COVID-19 childhood vaccination was then assessed on a 0-100 scale. We find that the “risk treatment” reduced the proportion of Italian parents strongly against vaccination by up to 29.6%, while increasing the proportion of neutral parents by up to 45.0%. The “herd immunity treatment”, instead, was only effective among non-parents, resulting in a lower proportion of individuals against pediatric vaccination and a higher proportion of individuals in favor (both shifted by around 20%).
Dietary Astaxanthin Supplementation could regulate the Gut-Kidney axis to protect against Kidney Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes mice
Authors: HA Mei , YANG Yuhui , LIU Changjiang , WU Mingzhu , Gong Ting , CHEN Zongyue , LUO Yu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.