bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the weak cosmic censorship conjecture by gedanken experiments for an Einstein–Maxwell–Dilaton–Axion black hole
Authors: Ding Hai-Feng , Zhai Xiang-Hua
Published: November 2020

In the framework of the new version of the gedanken experiments proposed by Sorce and Wald, we investigate the weak cosmic censorship conjecture (WCCC) for an Einstein–Maxwell–Dilaton–Axion (EMDA) black hole. Our result shows that no violations of WCCC can occur with the increase of the background solution parameters for this near-extremal EMDA black hole when the second-order correction of the perturbations is taken into account. Namely, the near-extremal EMDA black hole cannot be over-charged or over-spun.
All-Pass Frequency Selective Structures: Application for Analog Domain
Authors: Jitender  , Mohan Jitendra , Chaturvedi Bhartendu
Published: November 2020

Two new simple and effective voltage mode frequency selective structures that pass all signals are proposed and explored in this paper. The proposed structures use a single active element and three passive components in each. Dual-X second generation current conveyor (DXCCII) is employed as an active element along with two resistors and a capacitor as passive elements. The capacitor is grounded which goes well with the IC fabrication requirements. Both the structures offer low active and passive sensitivities. The presented structures also exhibit the feature of high input impedance. A comprehensive study of device non-idealities and parasitic is also included to highlight the non-ideal performance of the presented ideas. In addition, to prevent the use of passive resistors, resistor less realizations of proposed structures are also explored by replacing the passive resistors with MOS-based active resistors. A quadrature oscillator is also presented as one of the possible applications of the proposed frequency selective structures. Simulations results are in match with the theoretically analyzed performance.
Design Space Exploration for Reducing Cost of Hardware Trojan Detection and Isolation during Architectural Synthesis
Authors: Rajmohan Shathanaa , Ramasubramanian N. , Naganathan Nagi
Published: November 2020

In past years, software used to be the main concern of computer security, and the hardware was assumed to be safe. However, Hardware Trojans, which are a malicious alteration to the circuit, pose a threat to the security of a system. Trojans may be distributed across different components of the system and can bring down the security by communicating with each other. Redundancy and vendor diversity-based methods exist to detect Hardware Trojans, but with an increase in the hardware overhead. This work proposes a novel vendor allocation procedure to reduce the hardware cost that comes with Trojan detection methods. To further reduce the cost by minimizing resource requirements, an evolutionary algorithm-based Design Space Exploration methodology is proposed with options for loop unrolling and operation chaining. For reducing the cost of hardware Trojan detection and isolation, the proposed algorithm extends an existing implementation of Firefly algorithm. The proposed method is compared with the existing algorithms, using cost-based and Pareto-based evaluations. The results obtained demonstrate the ability of the new algorithm in achieving better solutions with a 77% reduction in cost when compared to the previous solutions.
A new machine learning approach for predicting the spectra of meson bound states
Authors: Yasser A. M. , Nahool T. A. , Anwar M. , Bowerman C. , Yahya G. A.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we investigate the benefits of machine learning (ML) approaches in predicting the spectra of meson bound states. A linear model (LM) approach is used to predict the spectra of some heavy mesons. Our proposed method has been successfully reproduced in recent experiments, to validate known outcomes. Our results are compared favorably to those obtained using other techniques. This novel perspective opens up a new future in the use of ML in the field of particle physics.
The property “arithmetic-is-recursive” on a cone
Authors: Andrews Uri , Harrison-Trainor Matthew , Schweber Noah
Published: November 2020

We say that a theory [Formula: see text] satisfies arithmetic-is-recursive if any [Formula: see text]-computable model of [Formula: see text] has an [Formula: see text]-computable copy; that is, the models of [Formula: see text] satisfy a sort of jump inversion. We give an example of a theory satisfying arithmetic-is-recursive non-trivially and prove that the theories satisfying arithmetic-is-recursive on a cone are exactly those theories with countably many [Formula: see text]-back-and-forth types.
A Controllability-Based TO Approach for the Piezoelectric Actuator Design Considering Multimodal Vibration Control
Authors: Gonçalves Juliano F. , Silva Emílio C. N. , De Leon Daniel M. , Perondi Eduardo A.
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses the design problem of piezoelectric actuators for multimodal active vibration control. The design process is carried out by a topology optimization procedure which aims at maximizing a control performance index written in terms of the controllability Gramian, which is a measure that describes the ability of the actuator to move the structure from an initial condition to a desired final state in a finite time interval. The main work contribution is that independent sets of design variables are associated with each modal controllability index, then the multi-objective problem can be split into independent single-objective problems. Thus, no weighting factors are required to be tuned to give each vibration mode a suitable relevance in the optimization problem. A material interpolation scheme based on the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) and the Piezoelectric Material with Penalization (PEMAP) models is employed to consider the different sets of design variables and the sensitivity analysis is carried out analytically. Numerical examples are presented by considering the design and vibration control for a cantilever beam and a beam fixed at both ends to show the efficacy of the proposed formulation. The control performance of the optimized actuators is analyzed using a Linear-Quadratic Regulator (LQR) simulation.
The existence of primitive normal elements of quadratic forms over finite fields
Authors: Hazarika Himangshu , Basnet Dhiren Kumar , Cohen Stephen D.
Published: November 2020

For [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), denote by [Formula: see text] the finite field of order [Formula: see text] and for a positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be its extension field of degree [Formula: see text]. We establish a sufficient condition for existence of a primitive normal element [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a primitive element, where [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text].
A complex nonlinear approach for understanding quantum physics
Authors: Croca J. R.
Published: November 2020

To understand quantum phenomena, namely, the particle-wave duality, in a causal relational way, a complex nonlinear process, in which a minor action may, under adequate conditions, give rise to a huge reaction, was proposed by de Broglie. The nonlinear process is mediated by the guiding or pilot wave principle, or as is now named by the principle of eurhythmy. This process rejects the ontic status of the Cartesian linear method in which the whole is assumed to be the simple linear combination of the parts and the action is always presumed to be equal and opposite to the reaction. The constituent parts of the whole are supposed to be naturally expected to maintain their own identity in every conceivable interacting situation.
A Relation of Preconditioners in Domain Decomposition Method for Magnetostatic Problems
Authors: Kanayama Hiroshi , Ogino Masao , Sugimoto Shin-Ichiro , Zheng Hongjie , Yodo Kaworu
Published: November 2020

An iterative domain decomposition method is proposed for numerical analysis of three-dimensional (3D) linear magnetostatic problems taking the magnetic vector potential as an unknown function. The iterative domain decomposition method is combined with the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) procedure and the hierarchical domain decomposition method (HDDM) which is adopted in parallel computing. Our previously employed preconditioner was the Neumann–Neumann (NN) preconditioner. Numerical results showed that the method was only effective for problems with a small number of subdomains. In this paper, we show its improvement with the balancing domain decomposition diagonal scaling (BDD-DIAG) preconditioner and show the asymptotic equivalence between BDD-DIAG and the simplified diagonal scaling (diag) preconditioner, which is derived from the following numerical evidences.
Inflationary constraints in teleparallel gravity theory
Authors: Sahlu Shambel , Ntahompagaze Joseph , Abebe Amare , Mota David F.
Published: November 2020

In this work, the cosmological inflationary parameters in the correspondence of teleparallel gravity for the scalar–tensor theory are investigated. After the review of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] gravity cosmology, we use the slow-roll approximations to study the behavior of the inflationary parameters namely the spectral index [Formula: see text] and tensor-to-scalar ratio [Formula: see text], and a comparison with observational data for different paradigmatic [Formula: see text] gravity models such as exponential, Linder and power-law models is considered. We also consider the boundary term [Formula: see text] associated with these three models. The obtained behavior of the parameters under consideration shows that it is possible to constrain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] models based on observational data.
Prediction of Reheat Cracking Behavior in a Service Exposed 316H Steam Header
Authors: Zhou Haoliang , Mehmanparast Ali , Nikbin Kamran
Published: November 2020

Reheat cracking in an ex-service Type 316H stainless steel steam header component has been investigated in this study. The examined steam header was in service for 87,790[Formula: see text]h and the cracks in this component were found in the vicinity of the weld toe. The root cause of this type of failure was due to the welding residual stresses. The welding-induced residual stresses had been present in the header at the early stage of the operation and were released during service. In this paper, a novel technique has been proposed to simulate the residual stress distribution normal to the crack direction by applying remote fixed displacement boundary conditions in an axisymmetric model. This approach can simulate the presence of residual stresses in actual components without the need to develop full weld simulation to quantify them. The predicted residual stress levels and distributions normal to the crack direction have been found in good agreement with the measured residual stresses available in the literature for a similar header. The creep crack growth (CCG) rates have been characterized using the fracture mechanics [Formula: see text] parameter and estimated using predictive models.
Dynamical behavior of a delayed prey-predator-scavenger system with fear effect and linear harvesting
Authors: Meng Xin-You , Li Jie
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose a delayed prey-predator-scavenger system with fear effect and linear harvesting. First, we discuss the existence and stability of all possible equilibria. Next, we investigate the existence of Hopf bifurcation of the delayed system by regarding the gestation period of the scavenger as a bifurcation parameter. Furthermore, we obtain the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions by using the normal form theory and the central manifold theorem. In addition, we give the optimal harvesting strategy of the delayed system based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle with delay. Finally, some numerical simulations are carried out to verify our theoretical results.
Chromatic Zagreb and irregularity polynomials of graphs
Authors: Rose Smitha , Naduvath Sudev
Published: November 2020

Graph coloring is an assignment of colors, labels or weights to elements of a graph subject to certain constraints. Coloring the vertices of a graph in such a way that adjacent vertices are having different colors is called proper vertex coloring. A proper vertex coloring using minimum parameters of colors is studied extensively in recent literature. In this paper, we define new coloring related polynomials, called chromatic Zagreb polynomials and chromatic irregularity polynomials, in terms of minimal parameter coloring and structural characteristics of graphs such as distances and degrees of vertices.
Adsorption Conformation of Comb-Shaped Polycarboxylate Ethers on Ettringite (100) Surface: An Atomic Scales Simulation
Authors: Zhao Hongxia , Yang Yong , Song Shenyou , Shu Xin , Chen Weile , Jin Wenliang , Ran Qianping
Published: November 2020

The adsorption of five polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs) oligomers with different side-chain number and side-chain length on the ettringite (100) surface in explicit solution is studied by all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The adsorption conformations, adsorption energies, the radial distribution functions (RDF) between PCEs and ettringite surface and density distribution profile of water perpendicular to the substrate are analyzed. After dynamic equilibrium, negatively charged carboxylate groups are absorbed on the surface of the disordered ettringite crystal and the side-chains are extended to solution. The influence of the number of side-chain on the adsorption strength of PCEs on the ettringite (100) surface is more significant than that of the length of side-chain. The less number of grafted side-chains, the weaker electrostatic shielding, the electrostatic interaction between PCEs and ettringite (100) surface is stronger, which is favorable for the adsorption. The conformation of adsorbed PCEs is closely related to the length of side chain. The greater the length of side-chains is, the larger will be the coverage area of PCE on surface and the degree of water reduction. The mechanism of adsorption of PCEs on ettringite surface is concluded and the major contribution to the adsorption includes ion pairs, hydrogen bonds and an entropic compensation.
Virtual Screening for the Identification of Potential Candidate Molecules Against Envelope (E) and Membrane (M) Proteins of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Alibakhshi Abbas , Ranjbar Mohammad Mehdi , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy , Yarian Fatemeh , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad
Published: November 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a disease currently spreading around the world. Some drugs are underway or being used to combat this disease. Several proteins of the virus can be targeted in therapeutic approaches. Two structural proteins, membrane (M), envelope (E) have critical roles in virus life cycle, such as assembly, budding, envelope formation and pathogenesis. Here, we employed the in silico strategies to identify and evaluate the selected potential compounds against M and E proteins. For this, the structures of proteins were modeled and then several groups of compounds as FDA approved, natural products or under clinical trials were screened from DrugBank and ZINC databases. The selected dockings were analyzed and the ligands with best binding affinity scores were subjected to evaluate drug-likeness and medicinal chemistry friendliness through prediction of ADMET properties. Normal mode analyses were also performed for six selected complexes to explore the collective motions of proteins. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was also performed to calculate the stability of two docked protein–ligand complexes. The results revealed that several compounds had high affinity to the proteins along with some acceptable profiles of mobility and deformability, especially, for M protein.
Effects of Qutan Huoxue Formula on the SOCS1/TLR4 Signaling Pathway in NASH Model Mice
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Zhu Xiaoning , Zheng Ding , Yin Yue , Peng Mengyun , Wang Jing
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Qutan Huoxue Formula (QHF) on liver injury in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by upregulating SOCS1 to inhibit the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice (20–22 g) were randomly divided into the normal diet group (ND group), methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet group (MCD group), and Qutan Huoxue Formula group (QHF group). Mice in the ND group were fed a regular diet, while mice in other two groups were fed MCD diet. After successful molding, the QHF group was gavaged by QHF. The ND group and MCD group were gavaged by the same volume of normal saline, once a day. During the period of gavaging, all mice continue to be fed MCD fodder except for the ND group. All mice were killed at 8 w. H&E staining and Oil Red O staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissues. Serum level of ALT, AST, TC, and TG was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of liver SOCS1, TLR4, Myd88, and NF‐κB was detected by real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. QHF can significantly reduce the serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, and TG of NASH mice and reduce the degree of liver fat degeneration and inflammation. It also can decrease both mRNA and protein expressions of liver TLR4, Myd88, and NF‐κB. The mRNA expression of SOCS1 increased, while the SOCS1 protein expression decreased. In conclusion, QHF can significantly alleviate hepatic steatosis and inflammation in NASH mice by upregulating SOCS1 to inhibit the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
A Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Unveiling the Mechanisms of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F against Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Liu Tongtong , Ma Fang , Lu Xiaoguang , Mao Huimin , Zhou Weie , Yang Liping , Li Ping , Zhan Yongli
Published: November 2020

Background. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) poses a major public-health burden globally. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is a widely employed herbal medicine in decreasing albuminuria among diabetic patients. However, a holistic network pharmacology strategy to investigate the active components and therapeutic mechanism underlying DKD is still unavailable. Methods. We collected TwHF ingredients and their targets by traditional Chinese Medicine databases (TCMSP). Then, we obtained DKD targets from GeneCards and OMIM and collected and analyzed TwHF-DKD common targets using the STRING database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by Cytoscape and analyzed by MCODE plugin to get clusters. In addition, the cytoHubba software was used to identify hub genes. Finally, all the targets of clusters were subjected for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses via DAVID. Results. A total of 51 active ingredients in TwHF were identified and hit by 88 potential targets related to DKD. Compounds correspond to more targets include kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and Triptoditerpenic acid B, which appeared to be high-potential compounds. Genes with higher degree including VEGFA, PTGS2, JUN, MAPK8, and HSP90AA1 are hub genes of TwHF against DKD, which are involved in inflammation, insulin resistance, and lipid homeostasis. Kaempferol and VEGFA were represented as the uppermost active ingredient and core gene of TwHF in treating DKD, respectively. DAVID results indicated that TwHF may play a role in treating DKD through AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and calcium signaling pathway (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Kaempferol and VEGFA were represented as the uppermost active ingredient and core gene of TwHF in treating DKD, respectively. The key mechanisms of TwHF against DKD might be involved in the reduction of renal inflammation by downregulating VEGFA.
Analyzing the Relationship, Distribution of Tree Species Diversity, and Above-Ground Biomass on the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape in Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Shiva , Sherpa Chungla
Published: November 2020

Forests provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. Their roles are considered as important for both climate mitigation and adaptation program. In Nepal, there are significant forest resources which are distributed in different regions; however, the studies on the spatial tree species distribution and the above-ground biomass and their relationship at the landscape level have not been well studied. This study aims to analyze the relationship, distribution of tree species diversity, and above-ground biomass at a landscape level. The data used for this study were obtained from the Forest Research and Training Center of Nepal, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Worldwide Wildlife Fund (WWF-Nepal). The landscape has a mean of 191.89 tons ha−1 of the above-ground biomass. The highest amount of the above-ground biomass measured was 650 tons ha−1 with 96 individual trees, and the least was 3.428 tons ha−1. The measured mean height of the tree was 11.77 m, and diameter at breast height (DBH) was 18.59 cm. In the case of the spatial distribution of the above-ground biomass, plots distributed at the middle altitude range greater than 900 meters above sea level (m. a. s. l) to 3000 meters above sea level taking more amount of the above-ground biomass (AGB). Similarly, the highest plot-level Shannon diversity index (H’) was 2.75 with an average of 0.96 at the middle altitude region followed by the lower region with an average of 0.89 and least 0.87 at a higher elevation. Above-ground biomass (R2 = 0.48) and tree height (R2 = 0.506) significantly increased with increasing elevation up to a certain level increased of elevation. Diameter at breast height (DBH) showed significance (R2 = 0.364) but small increase with increasing elevation, while the relationship among tree species diversity index, above-ground biomass, and elevation showed a weak and very weak positive relationship with R2 = 0.018 and R2 = 0.002, respectively. Based on the overall results, it is concluded that elevation has some level of influence on the forest tree diversity and above-ground biomass. The finding of this study could be useful for landscape-level resource management and planning under various changes.
Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR) and in vitro Predictions of Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Activities of Ixodicidal Ethyl‐Carbamates
Authors: Prado-Ochoa María G. , Strassburger-Madrigal Maribel , Camacho-Carranza Rafael , Espinosa-Aguirre Jesús J. , Velázquez-Sánchez Ana M. , Vázquez-Valadez Victor H. , Angeles Enrique , Alba-Hurtado Fernando , Muñoz-Guzmán Marco A.
Published: November 2020

Ethyl‐4‐bromophenyl‐carbamate (LQM 919) and Ethyl‐4‐chlorophenyl‐carbamate (LQM 996) are compounds that inhibit egg‐laying and hatching of tick larvae that are resistant to conventional ixodicides. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) to get the endpoint predictions of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of the LQM 919 and LQM 996 was performed and the absence of mutagenicity was confirmed by Ames test. SAR analysis show no structural alerts indicating the ability of ethyl‐carbamates to bind biomolecules or estrogen receptors. Endpoint of mutagenicity with and without metabolic activation showed that the ethyl‐carbamates were negative (p <0.05) for mutagenicity induction in strains TA97, TA98, TA102, TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538 of Salmonella typhimurium. Pre‐incubation with different ethyl‐carbamate concentrations did not increase the number of spontaneously reverting colonies; moreover, the compounds did not induce a concentration‐dependent increase in the number of reverting colonies in any of the strains used. This confirmed the absence of mutagenic activity in this test system. Exogenous metabolic activation did not modify these observations; suggesting that no metabolites with mutagenic activity were present. The endpoint of carcinogenicity in rats were negative for LQM 919 (p <0.05,) and LQM 996 (p <0.001). The results of the present study strongly suggest that ethyl‐carbamates do not represent a risk for cancer in mammals.
Serum Kisspeptin and AMH Levels Are Good References for Precocious Puberty Progression
Authors: Xue Jiang , Song Wei , Si Min , Sun Chao , Li Kailin , Wang Wei , Liang Shuang , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: November 2020

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of kisspeptin and AMH in children with PT or CPP or controls to provide a reference for diagnosis and prognosis. Methods. 38 Chinese children with central precocious puberty (CPP), 38 Chinese children with premature thelarche (PT), and 75 controls were recruited. Results. In CPP girls, AMH levels decreased significantly compared to control girls at T2 stage. Compared with the PT and control groups, AMH is the lowest in girls in the CPP group at T3 stage. Kisspeptin decreased significantly in girls in the PT group and increased significantly in girls in the control group from T2 stage to T3 stage. At T3 stage, kisspeptin was significantly higher in girls in the CPP and control groups than in the PT group. In the control group, kisspeptin was significantly higher in boys than in girls at T2 stage. AMH and height were negatively correlated in the girls group. Conclusions. Kisspeptin and AMH have a unique significance in the auxiliary diagnosis, the differential diagnosis, the treatment, and prognosis of sexual puberty disorder.
Research on Design Parameters and Fatigue Life of Tunnel Bottom Structure of Single-Track Ballasted Heavy-Haul Railway Tunnel with 40-Ton Axle Load
Authors: Ma W. B. , Chai J. F. , Han Z. L. , Ma Z. G. , Guo X. X. , Zou W. H. , An Z. L. , Li T. F. , Niu Y. B.
Published: November 2020

The coupling calculation model of tunnel and surrounding rock is established by the finite difference method, and the main design parameters of lining structure of single-track ballasted tunnel under 40-ton axle load, heavy train load, are studied in combination with cumulative damage mechanism of surrounding rock at tunnel bottom and the fatigue life characteristics of concrete structure at tunnel bottom. The results show that (1) inverted arch shall be set in sections of III-grade and above. Whether an invert is set in sections of II-grade and below shall be determined according to lithology and groundwater conditions. When the surrounding rock condition is good and the tunnel bottom structure (without invert structure) is adopted, the thickness is recommended to be more than 20 cm, and the concrete strength grade should not be lower than C35. (2) Connection mode: the inverted arch and side wall of the tunnel should be connected in sequence to reduce the stress concentration and improve the stress state of the connection part between the inverted arch and the side wall. (3) It is suggested that the rise-span ratio of invert of single-track tunnel should be 1/6 ∼ 1/8; the larger value should be taken when the surrounding rock condition is poor and the small value should be taken when the surrounding rock condition is good. (4) The thickness of inverted arch is recommended to be no less than 20 cm under the condition of V-grade surrounding rock, to be no less than 15 cm under IV-grade surrounding rock, and to be no less than 10 cm under the condition of III-grade surrounding rock and II-grade surrounding rock sections requiring inverted arch. (5) The recommended value of bedding thickness meeting the design service life is 20 cm under the condition of II-grade surrounding rock.
Auricular Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure Involves the Adrenal Gland in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Thi Mai Nguyen Huong , Lee Der-Yen , Wu Hung-Ming , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: November 2020

Auricular acupuncture is used to treat cardiac‐related diseases such as hypertension. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of auricular acupuncture on blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The treatment group (TG) received auricular electroacupuncture (EA) at the auricle heart (CO15) and auricle shenmen (TEF3) points. Heart rate (HR) and BP, GABA‐A expression, catecholamine, and neurotransmitter levels were measured. The HR was reduced after 7 auricular EA treatments compared with controls (all p < 0.05). Systolic BP and diastolic BP also decreased immediately and throughout the treatments compared with controls (all p < 0.05). The reduction of BP and HR was reversed by bicuculline injection 30 min before auricular EA treatment (all p < 0.05). GABA levels in the adrenal gland were higher with auricular EA treatment compared with the control group at 4 h (p < 0.05). Levels of serum noradrenaline and adrenaline were reduced at 15 min after final auricular EA treatment compared with the normal control group (both p < 0.05). The lowering of BP and HR by auricular EA is possibly mediated via vagal afferents from the concha to the nucleus of the solitary tract. After signal integration in the medulla oblongata, it may be transmitted through sympathetic efferent or vagal efferent or through multiple signaling pathways simultaneously to the atrionector of heart and the adrenal medulla. Further study is warranted.
Chemical Compound Chemical Treatment in Animal Husbandry
Authors: Tang Xiaoling , Peng Ting
Published: November 2020

The acidulant is widely used in the production of animal husbandry, and its use is affected by many factors, including environmental factors, dosage, diet composition, and animal’s own factors, so only the correct use of the acidulant can bring good results in animal production and financial income. This article takes acidifier as an example to study the application of compound chemical treatment in livestock farms. In this paper, the effect of using acidulant in the first 1 to 3 weeks after early weaning of piglets is obvious through this experimental study. The effect gradually decreases after 3 weeks and basically has no effect after 4 weeks. Experimental studies have found that the combination of organic acids, antibiotics, and high copper is the most effective. These three have different functions and have complementary or additive effects. Under harsh feeding conditions, especially when the environmental sanitation and environmental conditions are relatively poor, the effect of acidulants is better than good feeding conditions. Experimental data show that fulvic acid depletes milk’s somatic cells in a short period of time and then quickly activates immune function, which is indicated by the increase in lymphocytes in the blood. When a large number of somatic cells migrate to the breast, the somatic cells in milk will also increase, thereby improving the immunity mediated by human cells. The experimental results show that the BFA formula added 1% to the cattle feed. After the research control of this experiment, the milk output increased by 9–17%, and the quality milk output increased by 19.12%, so the use of acidulant increased feed compensation and reduces gastrointestinal diseases and the reproduction of microorganisms in the rumen of dairy cows.
Optimal Control for Networked Control Systems with Markovian Packet Losses
Authors: Han Xiao , Ji Zhijian , Qi Qingyuan
Published: November 2020

This paper is concerned with the optimal output feedback control problem for networked control systems (NCSs) with Markovian packet losses. In this paper, the packet losses occur both between the sensor and controller and between the controller and actuator. Moreover, the packet loss channels are described with two-state Markov chains. Since the precise state information cannot be obtained, thus an optimal recursive estimator is designed. Furthermore, by adopting the dynamic programming approach, we derive the optimal output feedback control, which is based on the solution to a given modified Riccati equation. The obtained results can be seen as an important implementation of the control theory for NCSs with unreliable communication channels.
A Note on the Poly-Bernoulli Polynomials of the Second Kind
Authors: Yun Sang Jo , Park Jin-Woo
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we define the poly-Bernoulli polynomials of the second kind by using the polyexponential function and find some interesting identities of those polynomials. In addition, we define unipoly-Bernoulli polynomials of the second kind and study some properties of those polynomials.
H-Coverings of Path-Amalgamated Ladders and Fans
Authors: Xiong Yijun , Wang Huajun , Umar Muhammad Awais , Chu Yu-Ming , Ali Basharat Rehman , Naseem Maria
Published: November 2020

Let

G

be a connected, simple graph with finite vertices

v

and edges

e

. A family

G

1

,

G

2

,
…
,

G

p

⊂
G

of subgraphs such that for all

e
∈
E

,

e
∈

G

l

, for some

l
,
 
l
=
1,2
,
…
,
p

is an edge-covering of

G

. If

G

l

≅
ℍ

,

∀
l

, then

G

has an

ℍ

-covering. Graph

G

with

ℍ

-covering is an

a

d

,
d

-

ℍ

-antimagic if

ψ
:
V

G

∪
E

G

⟶

1,2
,
…
,
v
+
e

a bijection exists and the sum over all vertex-weights and edge-weights of

ℍ

forms a set

a

d

,

a

d

+
d
,
…
,

a

d

+

p
−
1

d

. The labeling

ψ

is super for

ψ

V

G

=

1,2,3
,
…
,
v

and graph

G

is

ℍ

-supermagic for

d
=
0

. This manuscript proves results about super

ℍ

-antimagic labeling of path amalgamation of ladders and fans for several differences.
Role of Statins in the Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the Population with Mean Cholesterol in the Near-Optimal to Borderline High Range: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Singh Bishnu M. , Lamichhane Hari K. , Srivatsa Sanjay S. , Adhikari Prabhat , Kshetri Bikash J. , Khatiwada Sijan , Shrestha Dhan B.
Published: November 2020

Objective. The objective of this meta-analysis was to analyze the benefits and harms of treating the population with statins in those having mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the near-optimal (100 to 129 mg/dl) to borderline high (130 to 159 mg/dl) range and free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods. We searched PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1994 and July 2020. We included RCTs with greater than 90% of participants free of CVD. Two reviewers independently screened the articles using the Covidence software, assessed the methodological quality using the risk of bias 2 tool, and analyzed the data using the RevMan 5.4 software. Results. Eleven trials were included. Statin therapy was associated with a decreased risk of myocardial infarction (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.67), major cerebrovascular events (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.96), major coronary events (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.80), composite cardiovascular outcome (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.82), revascularizations (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.74), angina (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.92), and hospitalization for cardiovascular causes (RR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.86). There was no benefit associated with statin therapy for cardiovascular mortality and coronary heart disease mortality. All-cause mortality benefit with statin therapy was seen in the population with diabetes and increased risk of CVD. Statin therapy was associated with no significant increased risk of myalgia, creatine kinase elevation, rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, incidence of any cancer, incidence of diabetes, withdrawal of the drug due to adverse events, serious adverse events, fatal cancer, and liver enzyme abnormalities. Conclusion. Statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and procedures without increased risk of harm in populations with mean LDL-C in the near-optimal to the borderline high range and without prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Multiple Channel Integration Quality Assessment Method Using NARX
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , He Yingzhao
Published: November 2020

To improve the accuracy of the multiple channel integration quality (MCIQ) evaluation, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation method using the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model (NARX) and constructs an index system. First, the entropy method is used to determine the objective weight of each indicator. The indicators used in this paper are process consistency, information consistency, emotional value, procedural value, service structure transparency, online result value, business relevance, and online purchase intention. Second, an improved gray relational analysis (GRA) algorithm is used to obtain the comprehensive gray relational degree between the above eight indicators’ standard samples and the tested samples. Then, this study uses the dataset preprocessed with the GRA algorithm for training the NARX model. Then, this study uses the trained model to evaluate the quality of multiple channel integration comprehensively. Next, this study uses standardized methods to quantify the evaluation results to provide new ideas and theoretical guidance for teaching traditional retailers to use the advantages of multiple channels to expand their online business. This paper uses 50,000 consecutive samples of a product for 3 months as a dataset in the experimental part. Through the GRA method and the NARX model, the comprehensive gray relational degree between the test sample and the ideal sample is obtained, and the results are quantified. Experiments show that, compared with the GRA method, this paper’s method has a higher degree of fit between the output value and the target value.
Antiulcer Effects of Methanol Extract of Euphorbia hirta and Honey Combination in Rats
Authors: Onyeka Ifeanyi P. , Bako Sunday P. , Suleiman Mohammed M. , Onyegbule Felix Afamefula , Morikwe Ugonna C. , Ogbue Cyril Onyeka
Published: November 2020

Stomach ulcer is an endemic gastrointestinal disorder which constitutes a major public health problem all over the world. Stomach ulcer results when there is an imbalance between the protective factors (mucus and bicarbonate) and aggressive factors (acid and pepsin) in the stomach. Dried powdered leaves and stem of the phytomedicine Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) (1000 g) was extracted with methanol using a soxhlet apparatus. The evaluation of the phytochemical constituents of E. hirta and acute toxicity (to ascertain the safety of using the phytomedicine over a short period of time) was carried out. The antiulcer and gastroprotective effects of crude extract of E. hirta combined with honey in rats were evaluated. The study model using 0.6 M HCl model of ulceration was used to evaluate the antiulcer and gastroprotective activities of the phytomedicine. The soxhlet extraction of E. hirta gave a yield of 54.5 g of crude extract (5.45%). Phytochemical screening of E. hirta showed that the extract contains alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and unsaturated steroids. Acute toxicity studies showed that LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The study showed that the crude extract of E. hirta at 200 mg/kg when administered alone had 54% inhibition of ulceration while when administered together with honey increased to 94% inhibition of ulceration, but honey alone had 89.47% inhibition of ulceration. This implied that E. hirta when combined with honey had a synergistic effect and enhanced the inhibition of ulceration, and this could be seen by the protection of the gastric mucosa. The study of the phytomedicine E. hirta combined with honey revealed that the phytomedicine has antiulcer activities against 0.6 M HCl‐induced gastric ulcer in rats. This therefore validates usage and claim by the Igbo people of the southeastern part of Nigeria that the phytomedicine of E. hirta combined with honey has good antiulcer potential.
Algorithm Design of Early Warning Seatbelt Intelligent Adjustment System Based on Neural Network and Big Data Analysis
Authors: Zhou Chunxu
Published: November 2020

With the purpose to guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers as well as lower the death rate collision, the early warning seatbelt intelligent adjustment system is designed by using big data analysis technology based on the aspects of hardware equipment, database, and software program. In the hardware system, microcontroller AT89C52 is applied as the control core. By means of the sensor detection and drive control, the early warning safety belt tightening, locking and lifting, and other functions are realized. Meanwhile, various components of the hardware system are coordinated through debugging several modules in the hardware system and using the modified circuit to connect them together. We determine the relational rules of the database and create the corresponding database table, to provide sufficient data support for the realization of software functions. Using the big data analysis method to process the real-time detection data received by the sensor, the software functions such as timely tightening of safety belt, humidity relaxation, and over-rolling prevention can be realized according to different driving conditions of drivers and vehicles, respectively. The conclusion is drawn through the system test experiment: compared with the traditional regulation system, the design system has a higher degree of regulation, and the application of the design results to the actual vehicle can reduce the crash fatality rate of about 22.4%.
Dexmedetomidine Ameliorates Hippocampus Injury and Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion by Activating SIRT3-Mediated Mitophagy and Inhibiting Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Young Rats
Authors: Yu Wenli , Lyu Jingshu , Jia Lili , Sheng Mingwei , Yu Hongli , Du Hongyin
Published: November 2020

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) has been proven to trigger oxidative stress and pyroptosis in the hippocampus. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an essential mitochondrial protein deacetylase regulating oxidative stress and mitophagy. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been demonstrated to confer neuroprotection in different brain injury models. However, whether the protective effects of Dex following HIR are orchestrated by activation of SIRT3-mediated mitophagy and inhibition of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation remains unknown. Herein, two-week-old rats were treated with Dex or a selective SIRT3 inhibitor (3-TYP)/autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) and then subjected to HIR. The results revealed that Dex treatment effectively attenuated neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits via upregulating SIRT3 expression and activity. Furthermore, Dex treatment inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, while 3-TYP and 3-MA eliminated the protective effects of Dex, suggesting that SIRT3-mediated mitophagy executes the protective effects of Dex. Moreover, 3-TYP treatment downregulated the expression level of SIRT3 downstream proteins: forkhead-box-protein 3α (FOXO3α), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), and cyclophilin D (CYP-D), which were barely influenced by 3-MA treatment. Notably, both 3-TYP and 3-MA were able to offset the antioxidative and antiapoptosis effects of Dex, indicating that SIRT3-mediated mitophagy may be the last step and the major pathway executing the neuroprotective effects of Dex. In conclusion, Dex inhibits HIR-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation mainly by triggering SIRT3-mediated mitophagy.
The miR-146a SNP Rs2910164 and miR-155 SNP rs767649 Are Risk Factors for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Iranian Population
Authors: Dezfuli Neda K. , Adcock Ian M. , Alipoor Shamila D. , Seyfi Sharareh , Salimi Babak , Mafi Golchin Maryam , Dalil Roofchayee Neda , Varhram Mohammad , Mortaz Esmaeil
Published: November 2020

Background. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and may act as both tumor suppressors and as oncogenes. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inside the miRNA genomic region could affect target miRNA maturation, expression, and binding to its target mRNA and contribute to cancer development. Previous studies on the SNPs Rs2910164 in miR-146a and Rs767649 in miR-155 showed association with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect any correlation between those SNPs in Iranian NSCLC patients. Methods. In a small cohort study, 165 NSCLC patients and 147 noncancer controls were enrolled between Apr 2015 and Sep 2019 at the Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Allele frequencies from the genomic DNA of blood cells were studied using PCR-RFLP and their association with the risk of lung cancer was evaluated. Results. The rs2910164C allele (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.10–2.21,

p
=
0.012

) and CC genotype (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.07–7.9,

p
=
0.034

, respectively) were associated with a significantly increased risk for lung cancer compared to that for the GG genotype. When patients were stratified according to smoking exposure, no association with rs2910164 variants was found. The AT genotype (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33–0.99,

p
=
0.048

) and the A allele frequency (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35–0.98,

p
=
0.043

) in rs767649 were lower in NSCLC patients in comparison with the control group. In addition, the rs767649 AT genotype frequency in smoking controls was higher than in smoking NSCLC patients (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21–0.90,

p
=
0.024

). No association was found between rs2910164 and rs767649 variants and stage or type of NSCLC. Conclusion. Our finding suggests that miR-146a rs2910164 and miR-155 rs767649 polymorphisms may be considered as genetic risk factors for the susceptibility to NSCLC in the Iranian population. However, a larger multicenter study across Iran is needed to confirm these findings.
Persistent Activation of Innate Immunity in Patients with Primary Antibody Deficiencies
Authors: Tsinti Gerasimina , Makris Demosthenes , Germenis Anastasios E. , Speletas Matthaios
Published: November 2020

Primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, with common variable immunodeficiency being the most common with clinical significance. The main phenotypic defect resides in the inability of B cells to produce antibodies, and the cornerstone of therapy is immunoglobulin replacement treatment in order to fight infections. However, the management of the other inflammatory manifestations is inadequate, reinforcing the hypothesis that a complex genetic background affecting additional cell populations, such as polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and monocytes, influences the expression of the clinical phenotype of the disease. In this study, we investigated by flow cytometry in different conditions (resting state, and after isolation and incubation, with and without stimuli) the expression pattern of several markers on PMN and monocytes, indicative of their maturation, capacity for chemotaxis, adhesion, opsonization, migration, and phagocytosis in 25 PAD patients, 12 healthy blood donors, and 4 septic patients. In this context, we also analyzed patients before and after the initiation of replacement treatment, as well as an untreated patient in different clinical conditions. Interestingly, we observed that PAD patients exhibit a chronic activation status of the innate immunity compartment, along with several differences in the expression of activation, maturation, and adhesion markers, with respect to different clinical conditions. Moreover, immunoglobulin replacement treatment had a favorable effect on PMN, as it was expressed by a more mature and less activated phenotype on basal state cells, and an enhanced activation capacity after LPS exposure. Thus, we conclude that PAD patients display a persistent innate immune cell activation, which is probably associated with the chronic inflammatory stress, usually observed in these disorders.