A Survey of Neural Trees

Neural networks (NNs) and decision trees (DTs) are both popular models of machine learning, yet coming with mutually exclusive advantages and limitations. To bring the best of the two worlds, a variety of approaches are proposed to integrate NNs and DTs explicitly or implicitly. In this survey, these approaches are organized in a school which we term as neural trees (NTs). This survey aims to present a comprehensive review of NTs and attempts to identify how they enhance the model interpretability. We first propose a thorough taxonomy of NTs that expresses the gradual integration and co-evolution of NNs and DTs. Afterward, we analyze NTs in terms of their interpretability and performance, and suggest possible solutions to the remaining challenges. Finally, this survey concludes with a discussion about other considerations like conditional computation and promising directions towards this field. A list of papers reviewed in this survey, along with their corresponding codes, is available at: https://github.com/zju-vipa/awesome-neural-treesComment: 35 pages, 7 figures and 1 tabl

Fundamental Cycles and Graph Embeddings

In this paper we present a new Good Characterization of maximum genus of a graph which makes a common generalization of the works of Xuong, Liu, and Fu et al. Based on this, we find a new polynomially bounded algorithm to find the maximum genus of a graph

Research on electro-hydraulic composite drive winch and energy recovery system for mobile crane

Owing to the high power consumption and limited control precision of traditional hydraulic drive winch systems, this study proposes hydraulic and electric-type energy recovery systems. The accumulator used in the hydraulic type has low energy density, which makes it difficult to store a large amount of energy. Meanwhile, the electric motor/generator used in the electric type cannot solve the secondary slip because of oil leakage, which leads to low controllability and high-power consumption under near-zero speed and high torque conditions. Thus, based on electric construction machinery with high-pressure, energy-dense electric energy storage units, this study proposes an electro-hydraulic composite drive winch and energy recovery system and control strategy for mobile cranes. Considering the good control characteristics of the electric motor/generator and the high-power density of the hydraulic accumulator, this hydroelectric composite drive and energy recovery system may solve the secondary sliding challenge and ensure large torque output at near-zero speed. A simulation model of the mobile crane is established to verify the feasibility of the proposed system and control strategy. The research results showed that the system is more efficient at recovering energy when the weight is lowered by a greater distance

Association of immune response with efficacy and safety outcomes in adults with phenylketonuria administered pegvaliase in phase 3 clinical trials

Background: This study assessed the immunogenicity of pegvaliase (recombinant Anabaena variabilis phenylalanine [Phe] ammonia lyase [PAL] conjugated with polyethylene glycol [PEG]) treatment in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) and its impact on safety and efficacy. Methods: Immunogenicity was assessed during induction, upward titration, and maintenance dosing regimens in adults with PKU (n = 261). Total antidrug antibodies (ADA), neutralizing antibodies, immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies against PAL and PEG, IgG and IgM circulating immune complex (CIC) levels, complement components 3 and 4 (C3/C4), plasma Phe, and safety were assessed at baseline and throughout the study. Pegvaliase-specific IgE levels were measured in patients after hypersensitivity adverse events (HAE). Findings: All patients developed ADA against PAL, peaking by 6 months and then stabilizing. Most developed transient antibody responses against PEG, peaking by 3 months, then returning to baseline by 9 months. Binding of ADA to pegvaliase led to CIC formation and complement activation, which were highest during early treatment. Blood Phe decreased over time as CIC levels and complement activation declined and pegvaliase dosage increased. HAEs were most frequent during early treatment and declined over time. No patient with acute systemic hypersensitivity events tested positive for pegvaliase-specific IgE near the time of the event. Laboratory evidence was consistent with immune complex-mediated type III hypersensitivity. No evidence of pegvaliase-associated IC-mediated end organ damage was noted. Interpretation: Despite a universal ADA response post-pegvaliase administration, adult patients with PKU achieved substantial and sustained blood Phe reductions with a manageable safety profile. Fund: BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Keywords: Enzyme replacement therapy, Antidrug antibody, Circulating immune complex, Hypersensitivity, Phenylalanin

Analysis of clinical evidence on traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: a comprehensive review with evidence mapping

ObjectiveThis study aims to map evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/Meta-analyses concerning the treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), understand the distribution of evidence in this field, and summarize the efficacy and existing problems of TCM in treating DN. The intention is to provide evidence-based data for TCM in preventing and treating DN and to offer a reference for defining future research directions.MethodsComprehensive searches of major databases were performed, spanning from January 2016 to May 2023, to include clinical RCTs and systematic reviews/Meta-analyses of TCM in treating DN. The analysis encompasses the publishing trend of clinical studies, the staging of research subjects, TCM syndrome differentiation, study scale, intervention plans, and outcome indicators. Methodological quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) checklist, and evidence distribution characteristics were analyzed using a combination of text and charts.ResultsA total of 1926 RCTs and 110 systematic reviews/Meta-analyses were included. The majority of studies focused on stage III DN, with Qi-Yin deficiency being the predominant syndrome type, and sample sizes most commonly ranging from 60 to 100. The TCM intervention durations were primarily between 12-24 weeks. Therapeutic measures mainly consisted of Chinese herbal decoctions and patented Chinese medicines, with a substantial focus on clinical efficacy rate, TCM symptomatology, and renal function indicators, while attention to quality of life, dosage of Western medicine, and disease progression was inadequate. Systematic reviews mostly scored between 5 and 8 on the AMSTAR scale, and evidence from 94 studies indicated potential positive effects.ConclusionDN represents a significant health challenge, particularly for the elderly, with TCM showing promise in symptom alleviation and renal protection. Yet, the field is marred by research inconsistencies and methodological shortcomings. Future investigations should prioritize the development of standardized outcome sets tailored to DN, carefully select evaluation indicators that reflect TCM’s unique intervention strategies, and aim to improve the robustness of clinical evidence. Emphasizing TCM’s foundational theories while incorporating advanced scientific technologies will be essential for innovating research methodologies and uncovering the mechanisms underlying TCM’s efficacy in DN management

Effects of mulberry twig alkaloids(Sangzhi alkaloids) and metformin on blood glucose fluctuations in combination with premixed insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluated the effect of premixed insulin (Ins), premixed insulin combined with metformin (Ins+Met) or mulberry twig alkaloids(Ins+SZ-A) on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using continuous glucose monitors (CGM).MethodsThirty patients with T2DM and poor blood glucose control using drugs were evaluated for eligibility during the screening period. Subsequently, their original hypoglycemic drugs were discontinued during the lead-in period, and after receiving Ins intensive treatment for 2 weeks, they were randomly assigned to receive either Ins, Ins+Met, or Ins+SZ-A treatment for the following 12 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint comprised changes in their CGM indicators changes (mean blood glucose level [MBG], standard deviation of blood glucose [SDBG], mean amplitude of glycemic excursions [MAGE], postprandial glucose excursions [PPGE], the largest amplitude of glycemic excursions [LAGE], mean of daily difference [MODD], time in range between 3.9–10.0 mmol/L [TIR] and area under the curve for each meal [AUCpp]) during the screening, lead-in, and after 12-week treatment period. Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h postprandial blood glucose (1h-PBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2h-PBG), fasting blood lipids and postprandial blood lipids were also measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatmentResultsThe CGM indicators of the three groups during the lead-in period all showed significant improvements compared to the screening period (P<0.05). Compared with those in the lead-in period, all of the CGM indicators improved in the the Ins+Met and Ins+SZ-A groups after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05), except for MODD. After 12-week treatment, compared with the Ins group, Ins+Met and Ins+SZ-A groups showed improved MBG, SDBG, TIR, breakfast AUCpp,lunch AUCpp, HbA1c, FBG, 1h-PBG, fasting blood lipid and postprandial blood lipid indicators (P<0.05). Further, the LAGE, PPGE, MAGE, dinner AUCpp and 2h-PBG levels of the Ins+SZ-A group were significantly lower than those of the Ins+Met and Ins groups (P<0.05).ConclusionOur findings highlight the efficacy of combination therapy (Ins+SZ-A or Ins+Met) in improving blood glucose fluctuations, as well as blood glucose and lipid levels. Ins+SZ-A reduces postprandial blood glucose fluctuations more than Ins+Met and Ins groups.Trial registration numberISRCTN20835488

Evaluating the protective effectiveness and risk factors of ursodeoxycholic acid on COVID-19 among outpatients

Objective: This study aimed to assess the chemopreventive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) against COVID-19 and to analyze infection risk factors, symptoms, and recovery in outpatients with UDCA exposure.Methods: The study enrolled outpatients prescribed UDCA from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China, between 01 July 2022, and 31 December 2022. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and drug combinations were collected using electronic medical records. COVID-19 infection, symptoms, severity, prognosis, vaccinations, and UDCA administration were surveyed by telephone interviews. UDCA non-users served as controls and were matched in a 1:2 ratio with UDCA users using propensity score matching with the nearest neighbor algorithm. Infection rates, symptomatology, severity, and prognosis were compared between matched and control cohorts, and risk factors and infection and recovery symptoms were analyzed in UDCA-exposed outpatients.Results: UDCA-exposed outpatients (n = 778, 74.8%) and matched UDCA users (n = 95, 74.2%) showed significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rates than control patients (n = 59, 92.2%) (p < 0.05). The matched UDCA group exhibited substantially lower fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue rates than controls (p < 0.05). Participants with UDCA exposure generally experienced mild symptoms, while those without UDCA had moderate symptoms. The matched UDCA group also had significantly shorter durations of fever and cough (p < 0.05). Risk factors such as age over 60, less than 1 month of UDCA administration, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates (p < 0.05), while smoking led to a decrease (p < 0.05). Hypertension was associated with a prolonged COVID-19 recovery (p < 0.05), while smoking, vaccination, and fatty liver disease were associated with shorter recovery periods (p < 0.05). The main symptoms in the full UDCA cohort were fever, cough, and sore throat, with fatigue, cough, and hyposthenia being the most persistent.Conclusion: UDCA demonstrated chemopreventive effect against SARS-CoV-2 in outpatients by significantly reducing infection incidence and mitigating COVID-19 symptoms, severity, and recovery duration. Old age, short UDCA course, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and CAD increased infection rates, while hypertension prolonged recovery. Smoking, vaccination, and fatty liver disease reduced infection rates and shortened recovery. UDCA had minimal impact on symptom types. Larger and longer-term clinical studies are needed further to assess UDCA’s effectiveness in COVID-19 prevention or treatment

The Symbiotic Mechanism of the Influence of Productive and Transactional Agricultural Social Services on the Use of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology by Tea Farmers

In this investigation, we analyze data from 929 tea farmers across Shanxi, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces to elucidate the impact of productive and transactional agricultural social services on farmers’ adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization technology. Our perspective centers on the farmers’ standpoint and the underpinning mechanisms of these influences. Our findings delineate several key points: Both transactional and productive socialized services exert a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to adopt green production technologies, with the impact of productive socialized services being more pronounced than their transactional counterparts. The enthusiasm and the scale of adoption for green production technologies among farmers are positively impacted by both types of socialized services, a conclusion robust even when potential endogeneity and other statistical biases are corrected using IV Probit. The influence mechanism of transactional and productive social services operates symbiotically, primarily fostering trust, enhancing farmers’ tea price expectations and industry cognition, driving positive social evaluations, and motivating speculative behavior among farmers. Transactional and productive socialization services show varying propensities in promoting the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization technology, depending on the farmers’ type, endowments, and income levels. Involvement in these agricultural socialization services enables farmers to bolster their income, improve technical proficiency and information-gathering capabilities, jointly participate in market competition, reduce market risks, and enhance their recognition and choice of green production technologies. This appears to be a crucial catalyst for the successful promotion of greener development and transformation within agriculture and rural areas

Research on the Effects of Heterogeneity on Pedestrian Dynamics in Walkway of Subway Station

The major objective of this paper is to study the effects of heterogeneity on pedestrian dynamics in walkway of subway station. We analyze the observed data of the selected facility and find that walking speed and occupied space were varied in the population. In reality, pedestrians are heterogeneous individuals with different attributes. However, the research on how the heterogeneity affects the pedestrian dynamics in facilities of subway stations is insufficient. The improved floor field model is therefore presented to explore the effects of heterogeneity. Pedestrians are classified into pedestrians walking in pairs, fast pedestrians, and ordinary pedestrians. For convenience, they are denoted as P-pedestrians, F-pedestrians, and O-pedestrians, respectively. The proposed model is validated under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. Three pedestrian compositions are simulated to analyze the effects of heterogeneity on pedestrian dynamics. The results show that P-pedestrians have negative effect and F-pedestrians have positive effect. All of the results in this paper indicate that the capacity of walkway is not a constant value. It changes with different component proportions of heterogeneous pedestrians. The heterogeneity of pedestrian has an important influence on the pedestrian dynamics in the walkway of the subway station

The Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Wind–Photovoltaic–Hydro Hybrid Power Output Based on a Cloud Model and Copula Function

In a high proportion of wind–photovoltaic–hydro hybrid power systems, fluctuation and dispersion make it difficult to accurately quantify the output characteristics. Therefore, in this study, a cloud model and copula correlation coefficient matrix were constructed for a hybrid power generation system based on the output data. Multiple backward cloud transformation based on the sampling-with-replacement method was proposed to calculate the improved entropy and hyperentropy to analyze the fluctuation range and dispersion degree quantitatively. A similarity index was proposed to evaluate the similarity between wind power, PV power, and hydropower. A suitable copula function was selected, and the Kendall and Spearman coefficients show the correlation relationships of the hybrid systems. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the hybrid systems were analyzed based on the two models. A typical example in Qinghai proved the effectiveness and applicability of the method. The results show that the correlation between photovoltaic power and hydropower is better and that, in summer, hydropower can be used to adjust the output of renewable energy