bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral properties for the Laplacian of a generalized Wigner matrix
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Hazra Rajat Subhra
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we consider the spectrum of a Laplacian matrix, also known as Markov matrices where the entries of the matrix are independent but have a variance profile. Motivated by recent works on generalized Wigner matrices we assume that the variance profile gives rise to a sequence of graphons. Under the assumption that these graphons converge, we show that the limiting spectral distribution converges. We give an expression for the moments of the limiting measure in terms of graph homomorphisms. In some special cases, we identify the limit explicitly. We also study the spectral norm and derive the order of the maximum eigenvalue. We show that our results cover Laplacians of various random graphs including inhomogeneous Erdős–Rényi random graphs, sparse W-random graphs, stochastic block matrices and constrained random graphs.
Theoretical Investigation of Excited-State Intramolecular Double-Proton Transfer Mechanism of Substituent Modified 1, 3-Bis (2-Pyridylimino)-4,7-Dihydroxyisoindole in Dichloromethane Solution
Authors: Liu Xiumin , Yuan Heyao , Wang Yuxi , Tao Yaping , Wang Yi , Hou Yingmin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods were used to investigate substituent effects and excited-state intramolecular double-proton transfer (ESIDPT) in 1, 3-bis (2-pyridylimino)-4, 7-dihydroxyisoindole (BPI–OH) and its derivatives. The results of a systematic study of the substituent effects of electron-withdrawing groups (F, Cl and Br) on the adjacent sites of the benzene ring were used to regulate the photophysical properties of the molecules and the dynamics of the proton-transfer process. Geometric structure comparisons and infrared (IR) spectroscopic analysis confirmed that strengthening of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the first excited state (S1) facilitated proton transfer. Functional analysis of the reduced density gradient confirmed these conclusions. Double-proton transfer in BPI–OH is considered to occur in two steps, i.e., BPI–OH (N) [Formula: see text] BPI–OH (T1) [Formula: see text] BPI–OH (T2), in the ground state (S0) and the S1 state. The potential-energy curves (PECs) for two-step proton transfer were scanned for both the S0 and S1 states to clarify the mechanisms and pathways of proton transfer. The stepwise path in which two protons are consecutively transferred has a low energy barrier and is more rational and favorable. This study shows that the presence or absence of coordinating groups, and the type of coordinating group, affect the hydrogen-bond strength. A coordinating group enhances hydrogen-bond formation, i.e., it promotes excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT).
SimTyper: sound type inference for Ruby using type equality prediction
Authors: Kazerounian Milod , Foster Jeffrey S. , Min Bonan
Published: October 2021

Many researchers have explored type inference for dynamic languages. However, traditional type inference computes most general types which, for complex type systems—which are often needed to type dynamic languages—can be verbose, complex, and difficult to understand. In this paper, we introduce SimTyper, a Ruby type inference system that aims to infer
usable
types—specifically, nominal and generic types—that match the types programmers write. SimTyper builds on InferDL, a recent Ruby type inference system that soundly combines standard type inference with heuristics. The key novelty of SimTyper is
type equality prediction
, a new, machine learning-based technique that predicts when method arguments or returns are likely to have the same type. SimTyper finds pairs of positions that are predicted to have the same type yet one has a verbose, overly general solution and the other has a usable solution. It then guesses the two types are equal, keeping the guess if it is consistent with the rest of the program, and discarding it if not. In this way, types inferred by SimTyper are guaranteed to be sound. To perform type equality prediction, we introduce the
deep similarity
(DeepSim) neural network. DeepSim is a novel machine learning classifier that follows the Siamese network architecture and uses CodeBERT, a pre-trained model, to embed source tokens into vectors that capture tokens and their contexts. DeepSim is trained on 100,000 pairs labeled with type similarity information extracted from 371 Ruby programs with manually documented, but not checked, types. We evaluated SimTyper on eight Ruby programs and found that, compared to standard type inference, SimTyper finds 69% more types that match programmer-written type information. Moreover, DeepSim can predict rare types that appear neither in the Ruby standard library nor in the training data. Our results show that type equality prediction can help type inference systems effectively produce more usable types.
FPL: fast Presburger arithmetic through transprecision
Authors: Pitchanathan Arjun , Ulmann Christian , Weber Michel , Hoefler Torsten , Grosser Tobias
Published: October 2021

Presburger arithmetic provides the mathematical core for the polyhedral compilation techniques that drive analytical cache models, loop optimization for ML and HPC, formal verification, and even hardware design. Polyhedral compilation is widely regarded as being slow due to the potentially high computational cost of the underlying Presburger libraries. Researchers typically use these libraries as powerful black-box tools, but the perceived internal complexity of these libraries, caused by the use of C as the implementation language and a focus on end-user-facing documentation, holds back broader performance-optimization efforts. With FPL, we introduce a new library for Presburger arithmetic built from the ground up in modern C++. We carefully document its internal algorithmic foundations, use lightweight C++ data structures to minimize memory management costs, and deploy transprecision computing across the entire library to effectively exploit machine integers and vector instructions. On a newly-developed comprehensive benchmark suite for Presburger arithmetic, we show a 5.4x speedup in total runtime over the state-of-the-art library isl in its default configuration and 3.6x over a variant of isl optimized with element-wise transprecision computing. We expect that the availability of a well-documented and fast Presburger library will accelerate the adoption of polyhedral compilation techniques in production compilers.
Strategies for Practical Hybrid Attack Graph Generation and Analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Hawrylak Peter , Hale John
Published: October 2021

As an analytical tool in cyber-security, an attack graph (AG) is capable of discovering multi-stage attack vectors on target computer networks. Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) comprise a special type of network that not only contains computing devices but also integrates components that operate in the continuous domain, such as sensors and actuators. Using AGs on CPSs requires that the system models and exploit patterns capture both token- and real-valued information. In this article, we describe a hybrid AG model for security analysis of CPSs and computer networks. Specifically, we focus on two issues related to applying the model in practice: efficient hybrid AG generation and techniques for information extraction from them. To address the first issue, we present an accelerated hybrid AG generator that employs parallel programming and high performance computing (HPC). We conduct performance tests on CPU and GPU platforms to characterize the efficiency of our parallel algorithms. To address the second issue, we introduce an analytical regimen based on centrality analysis and apply it to a hybrid AG generated for a target CPS system to discover effective vulnerability remediation solutions.
Truth Commission Impact on Policy, Courts, and Society
Authors: Bakiner Onur
Published: October 2021

This review surveys the philosophical underpinnings, conceptual frames, and methodological choices informing the scholarship on truth commission impact to examine whether, how, how much, and why truth commissions influence policy, court decisions, and social norms. It focuses on three areas: ( a) truth commission impact as the product of complex interactions between politicians, civil society activists, and truth commissions; ( b) conceptual and methodological debates and disagreements in studies of impact; and ( c) normative visions guiding expectations and assessments. The findings of empirical scholarship range from partial confirmation of bold and at times vague expectations to damning accounts of commissions’ failure to deliver. In addition to conceptual and methodological choices, scholars’ normative assumptions and expectations also explain divergent accounts of truth commission impact. Three sets of normative frameworks set the expectations in particular: building liberal democratic institutions; transforming socioeconomic, gendered, and racialized hierarchies; and reflecting local values, norms, and power dynamics.
Street-Level Meta-Strategies: Evidence on Restorative Justice and Responsive Regulation
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: October 2021

Restorative justice may be effective because it is a street-level meta-strategy that is responsive and relational. Nonresponsive, nonrelational strategies that are enacted from desks are less likely to be effective; best-practice strategies may be less likely to be effective than wisely sequenced meta-strategies. Responsive regulation is conceived as a strategy of moving among strategies, as opposed to selection of any best strategy. Restorative justice is a way of selecting strategies to heal the hurts of injustice. Empathic empowerment of stakeholders who take turns to speak in a circle is at the heart of its strategy for strategy selection. Restorative justice can complement responsive regulation; at their best, they are mutually constitutive. Responsive regulation may work best when restorative justice is a first preference at the base of a pyramid of strategies. Responsive regulation involves listening and flexible deliberative choice among strategies arrayed in a pyramid. At the bottom of the pyramid are more frequently used, noncoercive strategies of first choice. Despite encouraging evidence that restorative and responsive regulation can work better than less dynamic top-down enforcement, the effectiveness of restorative justice and responsive regulation depends mainly on the efficacy of the interventions that are responsively chosen. It is time to redirect research and development to improving the quality of restorative-responsive strategy selection and the quality of the diverse strategies on offer.
Women's Rights After War: On Gender Interventions and Enduring Hierarchies
Authors: Berry Marie E. , Lake Milli
Published: October 2021

Postwar recovery efforts foreground gender equality as a key component of building more liberal democracies. This review explores the burgeoning scholarship on women's rights after war, first grappling with war as a period of possibility for building new gender-inclusive institutions. We review efforts in three arenas: increasing women's political representation in postwar democratic transitions; improving access to justice for women through the extension of property rights and bodily autonomy within systems of carceral justice; and integrating women into labor markets and security sectors through various components of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Yet these inclusionary efforts have too often sought to dismantle one form of oppression (gender inequality) without challenging others. We document how projects to center women in liberal democratic reforms following war inadvertently overlook other manifestations of violence at the core of these institutions.
Black Lives Matter in Historical Perspective
Authors: Francis Megan Ming , Wright-Rigueur Leah
Published: October 2021

This review examines the Black Lives Matter movement. Despite a growing body of literature focused on explaining the formation and activities of the present Black Lives Matter movement, less attention is given to the historical antecedents. What are earlier Black-led movements centered on ending state-sanctioned violence? This article situates Black Lives Matter in a much longer lens and examines the long struggle to protect Black lives from state-sanctioned violence. We draw from existing research to provide a historical genealogy of the movement that traces the beginnings of a movement to protect Black lives to the work of Ida B. Wells and follows it up to the work of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and the urban rebellions that have followed.
Application of Presplitting Blasting Technology in Surrounding Rock Control of Gob‐Side Entry Retaining with Hard Roof: A Case Study
Authors: Gong Shuang , Tan Yi , Liu Yunpeng , Zhu Dan , Yu Yang
Published: October 2021

Through the analysis of the mining situation and geological data of Qidong mine and working face, the key factors affecting the roof cutting and pressure relief roadway retention along the goaf are defined. Combined with numerical simulation and field test, the reasonable parameters of combined presplitting blasting of deep hole and shallow hole in hard roof are determined, and the roof cutting effect is tested through field observation and borehole peeping. The comprehensive control measures for the surrounding rock of 7135 roadway with roof cutting and pressure relief and gob retaining are formulated, including safety assurance technical measures, such as advanced precrack and seam cutting, roof reinforcement and support, gangue retaining protection beside the roadway, lagging temporary support, and on‐site industrial test monitoring scheme. Aiming at the hard rock roof, the “deep hole + shallow hole” presplitting blasting roof cutting technology is developed, and the economic and reasonable blasting parameters are determined. The drilling peep results show that the implementation effect of presplitting blasting technology is good. The results showed that deep holes and shallow holes with small spacing and parallel to each other shall be arranged on the planned seam line. The peeping results show that the crack formation rate in the charging section exceeds 85% in the process of deep hole blasting. In shallow hole blasting, the crack formation rate of charging section is more than 90%.
Improved ECG‐Derived Respiration Using Empirical Wavelet Transform and Kernel Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Zhuang Shuxin , Li Fenlan , Zhuang Zhemin , Rao Wenbin , Joseph Raj Alex Noel , Rajangam Vijayarajan
Published: October 2021

Many methods have been developed to derive respiration signals from electrocardiograms (ECGs). However, traditional methods have two main issues: (1) focusing on certain specific morphological characteristics and (2) not considering the nonlinear relationship between ECGs and respiration. In this paper, an improved ECG‐derived respiration (EDR) based on empirical wavelet transform (EWT) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is proposed. To tackle the first problem, EWT is introduced to decompose the ECG signal to extract the low‐frequency part. To tackle the second issue, KPCA and preimaging are introduced to capture the nonlinear relationship between ECGs and respiration. The parameter selection of the radial basis function kernel in KPCA is also improved, ensuring accuracy and a reduction in computational cost. The correlation coefficient and amplitude square coherence coefficient are used as metrics to carry out quantitative and qualitative comparisons with three traditional EDR algorithms. The results show that the proposed method performs better than the traditional EDR algorithms in obtaining single‐lead‐EDR signals.
Experimental Study of the Engineering Mechanical Properties of the Foundation Soil for Offshore Wind Power Platforms
Authors: Fang Yi , Lv Yuejun , Zhou XingYuan , Peng Yanju
Published: October 2021

Most of the coastal beach zone in the world is rich in wind energy reserves and has great potential for offshore wind power development. However, the sedimentary environment in the coastal area is complex and changeable, and the nature of the foundation soil of offshore wind power platforms is weak and complex, which is quite different from that in the land areas. In order to systematically study the mechanical properties of marine foundation soils, a series of geotechnical tests are carried out on representative undisturbed seabed soils, such as basic laboratory geotechnical tests, bender element tests, undrained triaxial shear tests, and resonance column tests. The test results show that shear wave velocity (Vs) of marine silt and silty clay increases linearly with the buried depth; the stress‐strain relationship curves of silty clay and silt present two different modes of development: strain hardening and strain softening, the undrained shear strength (Sd) of the two types of marine soils decreases with the increase of the void ratio (e), and both present a good single correlation. Based on the relationship between Sd and Vs from the laboratory test of disturbed seabed soils, an undrained strength evaluation method of undisturbed seabed soils under the current stratum conditions incorporating in situ shear wave velocity is established. The dynamic shear modulus (G) in the various strain ranges of undisturbed silty clay and silt increases regularly with the buried depth (H). Meanwhile, the maximum dynamic shear modulus (Gmax) linearly increases with the increase of H, whereas the attenuation relationship of G decreases with the increase of H. The prediction method of G based on buried depth is established with high accuracy.
Diagnostic Value of FTO Combined with CEA or CYFRA21-1 in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Shang Liqun , Zhang Wei , Wu Hua , Wu Runmiao , Chen Ruilin
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the diagnostic value of FTO combined with CEA or CYFRA21-1 for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to provide a theoretical basis for molecular diagnosis of NSCLC. Methods. Totally, 60 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated in our hospital between Feb. 2018 and Feb. 2019 were enrolled into the patient group (Pat group) and 50 healthy individuals with normal physical examination results in our hospital over the same time span into the control group (Con group). Serum of each participant was collected, and then qRT-PCR was adopted for quantification of serum FTO and the chemiluminescence method for quantification of serum CEA and CYFRA21-1. Additionally, corresponding ROC curves were drawn for diagnostic value analyses of FTO, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 in NSCLC and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of independent factors impacting the patients’ 3-year prognosis. Results. The Pat group presented notably higher FTO, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 levels than the Con group (all

P
<
0.05

), and patients with a high FTO level faced notably higher probabilities of stage III + IV and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (both

P
<
0.05

). Additionally, according to ROC curve-based analysis, with a high level in patients with NSCLC, FTO had high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing NSCLC; joint detection of it with CEA or CYFRA21-1 demonstrated a higher sensitivity in NSCLC diagnosis and presented a higher specificity in diagnosing early NSCLC compared with detection of CEA or CYFRA21-1 alone. According to Cox regression analysis, clinical stage, LNM, and FTO were independent risk factors impacting the prognosis of patients with LC (all

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. FTO presents a high level in NSCLC cases, and joint detection of it with CEA or CYFRA21-1 delivered a higher specificity in diagnosing NSCLC in contrast to detection of CEA or CYFRA21-1 alone, so the joint detection is worth popularizing in clinical scenarios.
Exosomes Derived from miR-146a-5p-Enriched Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect the Cardiomyocytes and Myocardial Tissues in the Polymicrobial Sepsis through Regulating MYBL1
Authors: Liu Chun , Xue Jianhua , Xu Bo , Zhang Aixian , Qin Lili , Liu Jiajia , Yang Yang
Published: October 2021

Background. At present, the study has confirmed that the mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MCSs-Exo) possess cardio-protection in sepsis. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of the protection of MSCs-Exo in sepsis remains unknown. Therefore, this research is aimed at studying the molecular mechanism. Methods. The effects of MSCs-Exo and miR-146a-5p in LPS-induced cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells) in vitro were verified by CCK-8, EdU assay, flow cytometry, Western blot assay, and RT-qPCR. The effect of MSCs-Exo in vivo was evaluated by CLP-induced sepsis model. The potential gene in MSCs-Exo was verified by bioinformatics analysis, and the potential target of miR-146a-5p was identified by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. At last, the function of miR-146a-5p and its target genes on LPS-induced cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells) in vitro was validated by recuse experiment. Results. Our findings revealed that MSCs-Exo could effectively protect cardiomyocytes of inflammation model in vitro and myocardial tissues of sepsis model in vivo. Meanwhile, we found that miR-146a-5p was a potential gene in MSCs-Exo, and MYBL1 was the target gene of miR-146a-5p and negatively regulated by miR-146a-5p. In addition, miR-146a-5p overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of LPS-induced cardiomyocytes. The rescue experiment demonstrated that miR-146a-5p could effectively repress the inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes via decreasing MYBL1 expression. Conclusion. This study suggests that miR-146a-5p-bearing MSC-derived exosomes may become an effective treatment for sepsis.
Influence of Standardized Nursing Intervention Combined with Mindfulness Stress Reduction Training on the Curative Effect, Negative Emotion, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Gastritis and Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Xiao Hongmei , Zhao Zhibin , Zhang Cuijuan , Wang Jimin
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the curative effect of standardized nursing intervention combined with mindfulness stress reduction training in patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer and its influence on negative emotion and quality of life. Methods. Total of 146 patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer admitted to our hospital from August 2018 to February 2020 were collected and divided into the control group (n = 73) and study group (n = 73) according to patients’ wishes and the random number method. The control group received traditional nursing measures. The study group received standardized nursing intervention combined with mindfulness stress reduction training. The general data, nursing efficiency, negative emotions, self-efficacy, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups were recorded. Results. The nursing effective rate of the study group (91.78%) was higher than the control group (79.45%) (

P
<
0.05

). After intervention, the self-rating anxiety scale score and self-rating depressive scale score of the study group were lower than the control group (

P
<
0.05

). After intervention, the general self-efficacy scale score and the generic quality of life inventory-74 scores of the study group were higher than the control group (

P
<
0.05

). The nursing satisfaction rate of the study group (89.04%) was higher than the control group (75.34%) (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Standardized nursing intervention combined with mindfulness stress reduction training has a good curative effect in patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer, which is beneficial to reduce negative emotions, increase self-efficacy, improve quality of life, and improve nursing satisfaction.
Robust Model Predictive Control for Energy Management of Isolated Microgrids Based on Interval Prediction
Authors: He Huihui , Huang Shengjun , Liu Yajie , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2021

With the integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RERs), the Day-Ahead (DA) scheduling for the optimal operation of the integrated Isolated Microgrids (IMGs) may not be economically optimal in real time due to the prediction errors of multiple uncertainty sources. To compensate for prediction error, this paper proposes a Robust Model Predictive Control (RMPC) based on an interval prediction approach to optimize the real-time operation of the IMGs, which diminishes the influence from prediction error. The rolling optimization model in RMPC is formulated into the robust model to schedule operation with the consideration of the price of robustness. In addition, an Online Learning (OL) method for interval prediction is utilized in RMPC to predict the future information of the uncertainties of RERs and load, thereby limiting the uncertainty. A case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed with the better matching between demand and supply compared with the traditional Model Predictive Control (MPC) method and Hard Charging (HC) method.
Assessment of Immune Cell Populations in Tumor Tissue and Peripheral Blood Samples from Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Caruntu Ana , Moraru Liliana , Surcel Mihaela , Munteanu Adriana , Tanase Cristiana , Constantin Carolina , Zurac Sabina , Caruntu Constantin , Neagu Monica
Published: October 2021

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common type of cancer worldwide. Strong connections have been revealed between immune cells and the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Important differences regarding the levels of immune cell subpopulations in both peripheral circulation and tumor microenvironment were emphasized, with some of them having prognostic significance. In our study, we performed an analysis of immune changes in the tumor tissue and the peripheral blood of untreated HNSCC patients, investigating the proportions of different immune cell populations in these two compartments. The local infiltrating lymphocytes were mainly cytotoxic T cells (CD8+). We have also revealed an increased level of B lymphocytes (CD19+) in the tumor microenvironment. In peripheral blood, the most important lymphocyte subtype was represented by the helper T lymphocytes (CD4+). We also found an increased proportion of circulating NK cells (CD56+). Our results showed significant differences between all investigated lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood and the tumor tissue of untreated HNSCC patients, suggesting that the local and systemic expressions of antitumor immune responses are different and that investigation of immune cell proportions in peripheral circulation has different cues that do not reflect the immune infiltrate pattern within the tumor microenvironment. Further studies are necessary to unveil the complex interplay involving local and systemic events in the immune system’s fight against cancer.
Homogeneously Mixed Memory Charts with Application in the Substrate Production Process
Authors: Rasheed Zahid , Zhang Hongying , Anwar Syed Masroor , Zaman Babar
Published: October 2021

The cumulative sum (CUSUM) and the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts are renowned classical memory charts used to monitor small and moderate shifts in the process(s). Mixed memory charts like mixed EWMA-CUSUM (MEC) and mixed CUSUM-EWMA (MCE) are the advanced forms of classical memory charts used to identify shifts quickly in process parameters (location and/or dispersion). Similarly, the homogeneously weighted moving average (HWMA) chart is used for improved process monitoring. It will be worthwhile to combine the HWMA chart features with the existing mixed memory (MCE and MEC) charts to enhance the effectiveness of the mixed memory charts. Therefore, we proposed new charts: mixed HWMA-homogeneously CUSUM (MHWHC) and mixed homogeneously CUSUM-HWMA (MHCHW) charts. The Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the proposed charts’ effectiveness. The average run length (ARL) is utilized to compare the proposed MHWHC and MHCHW charts’ performance with existing charts such as classical CUSUM and EWMA, MEC, MCE, and HWMA charts. The comparison revealed that the proposed mixed charts are superior to the existing counterparts, specifically monitoring small and moderate shifts. Finally, a real-life application using the manufacturing process’s data set is also provided from a practical point of view.
Overexpression of PIK3R1 Promotes Bone Formation by Regulating Osteoblast Differentiation and Osteoclast Formation
Authors: Zhu Haitao , Chen Hua , Ding Degang , Wang Shui , Dai Xiaofeng , Zhu Yulong
Published: October 2021

In an effort to bolster our understanding of regulation of bone formation in the context of osteoporosis, we screened out differentially expressed genes in osteoporosis patients with high and low bone mineral density by bioinformatics analysis. PIK3R1 is increasingly being nominated as a pivotal mediator in the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts that is closely related to bone formation. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the way that PIK3R1 affects bone metabolism are not fully elucidated. We intended to examine the potential mechanism by which PIK3R1 regulates osteoblast differentiation. Enrichment analysis was therefore carried out for differentially expressed genes. We noted that the estrogen signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and osteoclast differentiation were markedly associated with ossification, and they displayed enrichment in PIK3R1. Based on western blot, qRT-PCR, and differentiation analysis in vitro, we found that upregulation of PIK3R1 enhanced osteoblastic differentiation, as evidenced by increased levels of investigated osteoblast-related genes as well as activities of ALP and ARS, while it notably decreased levels of investigated osteoclast-related genes. On the contrary, downregulation of PIK3R1 decreased levels of osteoblast-related genes and increased levels of osteoclast-related genes. Besides, in vitro experiments revealed that PIK3R1 facilitated proliferation and repressed apoptosis of osteoblasts but had an opposite impact on osteoclasts. In summary, PIK3R1 exhibits an osteoprotective effect via regulating osteoblast differentiation, which can be represented as a promising therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
Study on the Spontaneous Imbibition Characteristics of the Deep Longmaxi Formation Shales of the Southern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Qian Chao , Li Xizhe , Shen Weijun , Guo Wei , Hu Yong , Li Zhongcheng
Published: October 2021

Deep shale gas reservoirs are a significant alternative type of shale gas reservoir in China. The productivity of deep shale gas wells is lower than that of shallow shale, and the imbibition characteristics of deep shale have a significant effect on the retention and backflow of fracturing fluid and the productivity of shale gas wells. In this study, the pore structure characteristics of organic-rich deep shale in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation of Weiyuan-Luzhou play were analyzed by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments, and then the imbibition characteristics and factors influencing deep shale were extensively investigated by spontaneous imbibition and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The results show that mainly micropores and mesopores are growing in the deep organic-rich shale of the Longmaxi Formation. The spontaneous imbibition curve of deep shale can be divided into an initial spontaneous imbibition stage, an intermediate transition stage, and a later diffusion stage, and the imbibition capacity coefficient of deep shale is lower than that of shallow shale. The transverse relaxation time (T2) spectrum distributions suggest that clay hydration and swelling produce new pores and microcracks, but then some pores and microfractures close. Deep shale reservoirs have an optimal hydration time when their physical properties are optimal. The increasing pore volume and the decreasing TOC content can enhance the imbibition capacity of shale. An inorganic salt solution, especially a KCl solution, has an inhibitory effect on the imbibition of shale. Higher salinity will result in a stronger inhibitory effect. It is crucial to determine the optimal amount of fracturing fluid and soaking time, and fracturing fluid with a high K+ content can be injected into the Longmaxi Formation deep shale to suppress hydration. These results provide theoretical guiding significance for comprehending the spontaneous imbibition and pore structure evolution characteristics of deep shale and enhancing methane production in deep shale gas reservoirs.
Changes of Intestinal Flora and Lymphocyte Subsets in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Lv Yan , Ren Gang , Ren Xiaojun
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the changes of intestinal flora and lymphocyte subsets in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods. 60 CRF patients who were treated from June 2018 to June 2019 were selected; 60 healthy persons were selected as the control group. 16S rDNA was used to detect the expression of Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium in the feces of the two groups. Illumina Miseq sequencing (Solexa sequencing technology) method was used to analyze the structural differences and species diversity of intestinal flora, including species richness index (Chao) and diversity index (Shannon, Simpson). Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of lymphocytes and their subgroups of the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between Chao and lymphocyte subsets. Results. The number of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus in CRF group were higher than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

), while the Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium were opposite (

P
<
0.05

). The Simpson index of the CRF group was lower than that of the control group, while the Chao index and Shannon index were opposite (

P
<
0.05

). The levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in the CRF group were lower than those in the control group, while the levels of CD14+, CD19+, and CD16+/CD56+ were opposite (

P
<
0.05

). The intestinal flora Chao index of CRF group was negatively correlated with the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ (r = −0.692,

P
=
0.019

; r = −0.669,

P
=
0.021

; r = −0.603,

P
=
0.028

). The intestinal flora Chao of CRF group is positively correlated with the level of CD14+ and CD16+/CD56+ (r = 0.615,

P
=
0.026

; r = 0.758,

P
=
0.016

). Conclusion. There are intestinal flora disorder and the imbalance of immune function in CRF patients, which are mainly manifested in the change of intestinal flora structure, the increase of richness and diversity of intestinal flora, and the decrease of lymphocyte subgroups. There is correlation between the imbalance of intestinal colony and the imbalance of immune function.
Investigating the Factors Associated with the Level of Expression of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Patients Suffering from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Salehi far Saleheh , Soltani Maryam , Zardast Mahmoud , Ghasemian Moghaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2021

Background. The present study was performed to investigate the factors related to the expression level of estrogen and progesterone receptor in patients with colorectal cancer. Material and Methods. This crosssectional study was performed on 54 patients suffering from colorectal cancer referring to Imam Reza Hospital in Birjand during 2018-2019. After the biopsy performed during surgery, the specimen was sent for immunohistochemistry, and the status of receptors was determined. Eventually, the data were analyzed by SPSS 22. Results. Out of the 54 patients studied, 64.8% were male. The mean age of the patients was

62.28
±
14.03

years. The level of expression of beta-estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors had a significant relationship with age, consuming drugs of abuse, and familial history (

P
=
0.001

). Also, the level of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors of patients with a more advanced stage of cancer was significantly lower (

P
=
0.001

). Conclusion. The extent of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors affects the progression and prognosis of disease. Thus, through hormone therapy, a step can be taken to reduce the progression and even to treat colorectal cancer.
Diagnostic, Prognostic, Predictive, and Monitoring Role of Neutrophil CD11b and Monocyte CD14 in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Hashem Heba E. , Ibrahim Zakaria H. , Ahmed Wafaa O.
Published: October 2021

Background. Sepsis is a critical medical condition that requires additional diagnostic considerations. Recently, focus has shifted to the diagnosis of sepsis using new markers to overcome the limitations of traditional laboratory diagnostic modalities. Neutrophil CD11b (nCD11b) and monocyteCD14 (mCD14) cell surface antigens have been shown to be useful in such diagnostic consideration. Aim. To investigate the diagnostic, monitoring, prognostic, and predictive roles of nCD11b and mCD14 as sepsis biomarkers in comparison to each other and to traditional laboratory sepsis parameters in order to select the best fit for routine daily use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Subject. The study included 188 neonates from Ain Shams University Hospitals’ NICUs, who were divided into two groups: the control group (

n
=
100

) and the sepsis group (

n
=
88

). Highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), complete blood count (CBC), blood culture, and nCD11b and mCD14 evaluations were all part of the laboratory sepsis evaluation (done by flow cytometry technology). Positive blood culture results (BACT/ALERT system) confirmed the sepsis diagnosis. Twenty-four enrolled sepsis neonates were subjected to follow-up assessments, and they were divided into two groups based on clinical improvement: improved sepsis and sepsis without improvement. In order to predict performance evaluation, the subjected neonates were reclassified according to their outcome into survivors’ and nonsurvivors’ group. Results. Sepsis patients had a significant increase in mCD14 MFI values when compared to controls. With sensitivity 75.4 percent, specificity 71.9 percent, efficacy 73.3 percent, and AUC 0.703, mCD14 MFI at cutoff 9.36 could distinguish the presence of septicemia. Significant increases in both mCD14 MFI and nCD11b MFI (

P
=
0.001

) were observed in the severe sepsis/septic shock group compared to the nonsevere sepsis group. The combined measurement of CD14 MFI at cutoff 9.97 and CD14 percent at cutoff 44.7 percent yielded the best predictive performance. Conclusion. Sepsis patients had a significant increase in mCD14 MFI comparable to the controls. mCD14 MFI demonstrated better diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive results than nCD11b. hs-CRP outperformed mCD14 and nCD11b in terms of diagnostic efficacy and AUC. In the monitoring of sepsis patients, both mCD14 and nCD11b produced unsatisfactory results. Currently, the routine use of mCD14 or nCD11b as sepsis biomarkers in neonatal ICUs is not justified.
Coexistence and Adsorption Properties of Heavy Metals by Polypropylene Microplastics
Authors: Fan Tingyu , Zhao Jie , Chen Yingxiang , Wang Miao , Wang Xingming , Wang Shun , Chen Xiaoyang , Lu Akang , Zha Shijiao
Published: October 2021

Plastic particles with a diameter of 5 mm or less are called microplastics. Microplastics are one of the primary sources of pollution in the environment. It has been proven that microplastics are also carriers of heavy metals, but there are few studies on their adsorption mechanism. In this study, the adsorption of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn by polypropylene (PP) microplastics was analyzed and discussed. The morphology of PP was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface elemental composition of PP was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the functional groups of PP were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the adsorption behavior of microplastics to different heavy metals could be balanced in 32 hours. Kinetics experiments showed that the adsorption process could be fitted well by a two-stage dynamic model, and the adsorption of Pb and Cu by PP is greater than that of Cd and Zn. The Freundlich model has the best fitting effect on Pb for the adsorption isothermal results. The Langmuir model showed that the process is favorable for adsorption. The adsorption of mixed heavy metals by microplastics showed that when the concentration of the mixed adsorption mass was low, the presence of a coexistence system promoted the adsorption of Zn and Cu by microplastics. With an increasing concentration, the adsorption of 4 heavy metals by microplastics is inhibited.
Indirect Reconstruction of Structural Responses Based on Transmissibility Concept and Matrix Regularization
Authors: Pan Chudong , Zhang Liwen , Sun Zhuo
Published: October 2021

A novel method is proposed based on the transmissibility concept and matrix regularization for indirectly measuring the structural responses. The inputs are some measured responses that are obtained via physical sensors. The outputs are the structural responses corresponding to some critical locations where no physical sensors are installed. Firstly, the transmissibility concept is introduced for expressing the relationship between the measured responses and the indirectly measured ones. Herein, a transmissibility matrix is formulated according to the theory of force identification under unknown initial conditions. Then, in order to reduce the size of the transmissibility matrix, structural responses are reshaped in a form of a matrix by using the concept of moving time windows. According to the matrix form of input‐output relationship, indirect reconstruction of responses is boiled down to an optimization equation. Since inverse problem may be ill‐conditioned, matrix regularization such as F‐norm regularization is then recommended for improving the optimization problem. Herein, the penalty function is defined by using a weighted sum of two F‐norm values, which correspond to the estimated responses of physical sensors and the ones of the concerned critical locations, respectively. Numerical simulations and experimental studies are finally carried out for verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. Some results show that the proposed method can be applied for indirectly measuring the responses with good robustness.
A New View of Multisensor Data Fusion: Research on Generalized Fusion
Authors: Chen Guo , Liu Zhigui , Yu Guang , Liang Jianhong
Published: October 2021

Multisensor data generalized fusion algorithm is a kind of symbolic computing model with multiple application objects based on sensor generalized integration. It is the theoretical basis of numerical fusion. This paper aims to comprehensively review the generalized fusion algorithms of multisensor data. Firstly, the development and definition of multisensor data fusion are analyzed and the definition of multisensor data generalized fusion is given. Secondly, the classification of multisensor data fusion is discussed, and the generalized integration structure of multisensor and its data acquisition and representation are given, abandoning the research characteristics of object oriented. Then, the principle and architecture of multisensor data fusion are analyzed, and a generalized multisensor data fusion model is presented based on the JDL model. Finally, according to the multisensor data generalized fusion architecture, some related theories and methods are reviewed, and the tensor-based multisensor heterogeneous data generalized fusion algorithm is proposed, and the future work is prospected.
Rosiglitazone Suppresses Renal Crystal Deposition by Ameliorating Tubular Injury Resulted from Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Promoting the Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway and Shifting Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Sun Xifeng , Jia Min , Sun Fa , Zhu Jianguo , Chen Xiaolong , Chen Kun , Jiang Kehua
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are closely related to nephrolithiasis. This study is aimed at exploring whether rosiglitazone (ROSI), a regulator of macrophage (Mp) polarization, could reduce renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition by ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Male C57 mice were equally and randomly divided into 7 groups. Kidney sections were collected on day 5 or day 8 after treatment. Pizzolato staining and polarized light optical microscopy were used to detect crystal deposition. PAS staining and TUNEL assay were performed to assess the tubular injury and cell apoptosis, respectively. Gene expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was assessed using a fluorescence microplate and fluorescence microscope. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malonaldehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were evaluated to determine oxidative stress. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was examined to detect cell injury. Adhesion of CaOx monohydrate (COM) crystals to HK‐2 cells was detected by crystal adhesion assay. HK‐2 cell death or renal macrophage polarization was assessed by flow cytometry. In vivo, renal crystal deposition, tubular injury, crystal adhesion, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response were significantly increased in the 7‐day glyoxylic acid‐ (Gly‐) treated group but were decreased in the ROSI‐treated groups, especially in the groups pretreated with ROSI. Moreover, ROSI significantly reduced renal Mp aggregation and M1Mp polarization but significantly enhanced renal M2Mp polarization. In vitro, ROSI significantly suppressed renal injury, apoptosis, and crystal adhesion of HK‐2 cells and markedly shifted COM‐stimulated M1Mps to M2Mps, presenting an anti‐inflammatory effect. Furthermore, ROSI significantly suppressed oxidative stress by promoting the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in HK‐2 cells. These findings indicate that ROSI could ameliorate renal tubular injury that resulted from oxidative stress and inflammatory response by suppressing M1Mp polarization and promoting M2Mp polarization. Therefore, ROSI is a potential therapeutic and preventive drug for CaOx nephrolithiasis.
Clinical Outcome between Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Diabetes
Authors: He Peixun , Luo Xiaolin , Li Jiabei , Li Yi , Wang Xiaozeng , Huang Lan , Jin Jun , Han Yaling
Published: October 2021

Background. The increased thrombotic risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and diabetes highlights the need for adequate antithrombotic protection. We aimed to compare the 6-month clinical outcomes between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in patients with ACS and diabetes. Methods and Results. The study was a single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, and controlled registry trial. A total of 270 ACS patients with diabetes were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to either the ticagrelor group or the clopidogrel group. Follow-up was performed for 6 months, and the data on efficacy outcomes and bleeding events were collected. At 6 months, complete follow-up data were available for 266 (98.5%) of 270 patients, and 4 were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference in the survival rate of the effective endpoints between the ticagrelor group (

n
=
133

) and the clopidogrel group (

n
=
133

) (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.44–1.56,

p
=
0.561

), but the incidence of bleeding events in the ticagrelor group was higher than that in the clopidogrel group (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.00–3.10,

p
=
0.049

). Conclusion. Ticagrelor did not improve the composite of nonfatal MI, target vessel revascularization, rehospitalization, stroke, and death from any cause; however, it significantly increased the incidence of bleeding events defined by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria in Chinese patients with ACS and diabetes during the 6-month follow-up compared with clopidogrel.