bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Parameter Extraction of PSP MOSFET Model on SoC Platform
Authors: Rathod Amit , Thakker Rajesh , Prince A. Amalin
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a novel approach to accelerate parameter extraction process of surface-potential-based (PSP) MOSFET model is presented for the submicron MOS transistor. To reduce the computational time, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of PSP model library — SiMKit is demonstrated using Xilinx’s Zynq [Formula: see text] (Multi-processor System-on-Chip) platform. Parameter extraction is carried out using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for 65[Formula: see text]nm technology nMOS devices. With the available measurement data, 32 various PSP model parameters are extracted. Experimental results validate the performance and accuracy of parameter extraction by achieving Root Mean Square Error below 10% for various current–voltage characteristics of nMOS device. 41.57% acceleration in execution time for extraction process is achieved by Zynq [Formula: see text] platform compared to the conventional computer-based software approach. In addition, various design optimization directives are explored, and their performances are compared as a part of RTL generation of SiMKit.
Particle species and collision energy dependencies of the midrapidity average transverse momenta of identified charged particles in Au+Au and Pb+Pb collisions in (Snn)1/2 = 62-5020GeV energy range at RHIC and LHC
Authors: Olimov Khusniddin K. , Liu Fu-Hu , Musaev Kobil A. , Olimov Alisher K. , Tukhtaev Boburbek J. , Saidkhanov Nasir Sh. , Yuldashev Bekhzod S. , Olimov Kosim , Gulamov Kadyr G.
Published: April 2021

The experimental spectra of [Formula: see text] versus the average pseudorapidity multiplicity density, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] dependencies of the identified charged particles at midrapidity in Au[Formula: see text]Au and Pb[Formula: see text]Pb collisions at RHIC and LHC in (s[Formula: see text]-5020[Formula: see text]GeV energy range are described well with the proposed simple power model function. The degree of flattening of [Formula: see text] of the charged pions and kaons, protons and antiprotons in the analyzed heavy-ion collisions at RHIC and LHC in (s[Formula: see text]-5020[Formula: see text]GeV energy range are investigated analyzing the dependencies of the obtained exponent parameter [Formula: see text] of the simple power model function on the particle species and collision energy (s[Formula: see text]. The coincidence of the parameter [Formula: see text] for pions and kaons in Pb[Formula: see text]Pb collisions at (s[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV, reflecting practically identical shapes of [Formula: see text] versus the average pseudorapidity multiplicity density, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] spectra for pions and kaons in these collisions, is obtained. This important result is interpreted as due to creation of the highly thermalized QGP, where the difference between [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] flavors practically disappears, resulting in similar mechanisms of production of pions and kaons in Pb[Formula: see text]Pb collisions at (s[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV.
BONE MARROW ASPIRATE CONCENTRATE INJECTION OF THE ACHILLES TENDON IN A COMPETITIVE DISTANCE RUNNER
Authors: Farina Kathryn A. , Kandah Blake A. , Sowers Nan M. , Moore Gregory A.
Published: April 2021

Achilles tendon disorders, including tendinopathy and ruptures, are common among competitive runners. Relatively high complication rates, recurring injuries, and the need to return to sport have led to the use of regenerative medical treatment in tendon disorders in competitive athletes. Biologic therapies, including bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections, have been effective in restoring injured tissue in a limited number of cases. In this case, a collegiate cross country runner with Achilles tendon pain underwent years of failed, non-surgical conservative management. The patient’s MRI demonstrated moderate distal calcaneus tendinosis with high-grade partial thickness tearing of the anterior fibers of the Achilles tendon (50% tear). The patient underwent peritendinous injection of BMAC. Post-procedure MRI demonstrated minimal tendinosis of the distal and lateral margins of the Achilles tendon, and no evidence of Achilles tendon tear. The patient followed a progressive return to running program, ultimately training 40 miles per week with minimal Achilles tendon pain.
Exotic periodic points
Authors: Vu Duc-Viet
Published: April 2021

We introduce the notion of exotic periodic points of a meromorphic self-map. We then establish the expected asymptotic for the number of isolated or exotic periodic points for holomorphic self-maps with a simple action on the cohomology groups on a compact Kähler manifold.
Optimal non-homogeneous improvements for the series expansion of Hardy’s inequality
Authors: Gkikas Konstantinos T. , Psaradakis Georgios
Published: April 2021

We consider the series expansion of the [Formula: see text]-Hardy inequality of [G. Barbatis, S. Filippas and A. Tertikas, Series expansion for [Formula: see text] Hardy inequalities, Indiana Univ. Math. J. 52 (2003) 171–190], in the particular case where the distance is taken from an interior point of a bounded domain in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] we improve it by adding as a remainder term an optimally weighted critical Sobolev norm, generalizing the [Formula: see text] = 2 result of [S. Filippas and A. Tertikas, Optimizing improved Hardy inequalities, J. Funct. Anal. 192 (2002) 186–233] and settling the open question raised in [G. Barbatis, S. Filippas and A. Tertikas, A unified approach to improved [Formula: see text] Hardy inequalities with best constants, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 356 (2004) 2169–2196]. For [Formula: see text] we improve it by adding as a remainder term the optimally weighted Hölder seminorm, extending the Hardy–Morrey inequality of [G. Psaradakis, An optimal Hardy–Morrey inequality, Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations 45 (2012) 421–441] to the series case.
Spacelike translating solitons in Lorentzian product spaces: Nonexistence, Calabi–Bernstein type results and examples
Authors: Batista Márcio , de Lima Henrique F.
Published: April 2021

We establish nonexistence results for complete spacelike translating solitons immersed in a Lorentzian product space [Formula: see text], under suitable curvature constraints on the curvatures of the Riemannian base [Formula: see text]. In particular, we obtain Calabi–Bernstein type results for entire translating graphs constructed over [Formula: see text]. For this, we prove a version of the Omori–Yau’s maximum principle for complete spacelike translating solitons. Besides, we also use other two analytical tools related to an appropriate drift Laplacian: a parabolicity criterion and certain integrability properties. Furthermore, under the assumption that the base [Formula: see text] is non-positively curved, we close our paper constructing new examples of rotationally symmetric spacelike translating solitons embedded into [Formula: see text].
A Novel Framework for Multiple Ground Target Detection, Recognition and Inspection in Precision Agriculture Applications Using a UAV
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Tufail Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Khan Zubair Ahmad , Iqbal Javaid , Wasim Arsalan
Published: April 2021

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been recently used for different civilian applications such as remote sensing, search, and rescue (SAR), precision agriculture (PA), etc. A UAVs ability to sense and find targets remotely and, based on that, hover close to the target for a particular action makes it an ideal platform for the aforementioned applications. There has been extensive work carried out in the field of visual-based detection, navigation, and control, but the problem of detecting different ground targets and performing certain actions is still an open research area. This study proposes a novel framework for multiple target detection, recognition, and navigation of the UAV to the desired target and closely inspect it. This proposed framework can be deployed for accurately spot spraying in PA applications or SAR. The target detection and recognition in the framework are achieved through a computationally efficient Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) trained model, whereas the close inspection of the target is achieved through a PID-based tracking algorithm which ensures the UAV hover around the target for few seconds. The developed framework performed the desired objective in five stages employing Lawson’s control theory of sense, process, compare, decide and act. The target detection and recognition in the framework were validated with the field experiment, while the entire framework was validated through a variety of simulation flights conducted in Gazebo and PX4. The experiments’ results showed the versatility of the developed system to many complex missions where the targets are added or removed.
Electrokinetic Streaming Current Method to Probe Polycrystalline Gold Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Under Applied Potentials
Authors: Saha Prantik , Zenyuk Iryna V.
Published: April 2021

We developed a method, by combining electrochemical and electrokinetic streaming current techniques to study ion distribution and ionic conductivity in the diffuse part of electrochemical double layer (EDL) of a metal-electrolyte interface, when potential is applied on the metal by a potentiostat. We applied this method to an electrochemically clean polycrystalline gold (poly Au)-electrolyte interface and measured zeta potential for various applied potentials, pH, and concentration of the electrolyte. Specific adsorption of chloride ions on poly Au was studied by comparing measurements of zeta potential in KCl and KClO4 electrolytes. In absence of specific adsorption, zeta potential was found to increase linearly with applied potential, having slope of 0.04–0.06. When Cl− adsorption occurs, zeta potential changes the sign from positive to negative value at ∼750 mV vs Ag/AgCl applied potential. Complementary cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies were conducted to determine a degree of chloride ion adsorption on a poly Au. A correlation was observed between the applied potential at which zeta potential is zero and potential of zero charge for poly Au. Ion-distribution and ionic conductivity in the diffuse layer were calculated from the measured zeta potential data using nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann distribution.
Degradation of Platinum-Cobalt Alloy PEMFC Cathode Catalysts in Catalyst-Ionomer Inks
Authors: Myers Deborah J. , Kropf A. Jeremy , Wegener Evan C. , Mistry Hemma , Kariuki Nancy , Park Jaehyung
Published: April 2021

In this paper we report on studies of the effects of catalyst-ionomer ink composition: ionomer equivalent weight (EW), ink solvent, and ink mixing on a commercial PtCo alloy PEMFC cathode catalyst. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) are utilized to determine catalyst atomic structure, catalyst crystallite composition, and extent of loss of Co into the ionomer-solvent phase. Three different n-propanol to water weight ratios (7:3, 5:5, and 3:7) and two different ionomers (3 M 800 EW and Nafion 1000 EW) were studied. Cobalt loss from the PtCo particles was found to increase with increasing water content in the inks and to be more extensive for the 800 EW ionomer inks, causing loss of contraction of the PtCo lattice and formation of a Pt shell-PtCo alloy core intraparticle structure.
Capacitive Hysteresis Effects in Ionic Liquids: 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Trifluoromethanesulfonate on Polycrystalline Gold Electrode
Authors: Pitawela Niroodha R. , Shaw Scott K.
Published: April 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) add complexity to electrochemical interfaces that cannot be adequately treated with traditional double layer models. We present a series of carefully controlled capacitance measurements to optimize the collection of reproducible and uniform capacitance-potential datasets. We quantitatively evaluate analysis methods on the experimentally observed capacitance of l-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethauesulfonate [Emim][TFO] IL at the gold-IL interface. The major outcomes of our work are to identify how experimental data collection methods affect capacitive hysteresis, and to suggest a systematic approach to collect reproducible capacitance data for IL systems. We evaluate different potential scan directions, examine varying potential sweep rates, and capacitance collection methods. We find that faster scan rates can mitigate the capacitive hysteresis between the anodic and cathodic scans for a particular collection technique. However, faster scan rates also result in more variation between the collection techniques. We also find that decreasing the effective potential sweep rate reduces hysteresis between different collection techniques when other factors are held constant. It is crucial for researchers to consistently report the direction of the potential sweep and the effective rate of potential sweep. Our data suggest that using slower effective potential perturbation rates would reduce discrepancies in capacitance data collected from different laboratories under different experimental conditions.
Fabrication of Porous N-rich Carbon Electrocatalysts from Pyrolysis of PANI-Encapsulated CeO2 for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yanhua Lei , Tan Ning , Huo Da , Ding Mengchao , Zhang Yuliang , Liu Tong , Yu Ruixuan , Cheng Sha , Fan Runhua
Published: April 2021

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a crucial cathodic process and a technology providing renewable energy. It is essential to create ORR catalysts not containing noble metals yet still affordable and possessing high-efficiency and long-term durability. Therefore, this work developed a highly porous N-doped carbon catalyst embedded with CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs). This composite catalyst was synthesized by pyrolysis of PANI-encapsulated CeO2 NPs (CeO2/PANI) combined with in situ polymerization. The resulting catalyst exhibited an outstanding ORR performance with 0.94 and 0.81 mV onset and positive half-wave potentials, respectively, and 5.52 mA cm−2 diffusion-limited current density. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability. These exceptional characteristics indicate that a synergy of the N-doped carbon and CeO2 NPs provide a novel strategy of fabrication of novel ORR catalysts without using noble-metals for applications related to fuel cells and metal-air batteries.
Highly Stable LiI/Active Graphene Composite Cathodes for Efficient Lithium-Iodine Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Feng-Hui , Zhang Xiang-Xiang , Wang Hong-Bo , Li Fa-Chuang , Guo Zhan-Yong , Zhang Ze
Published: April 2021

Lithium iodide (LiI) is regarded as a promising cathode material for lithium-iodine (Li-I2) batteries in terms of its high merits, high theoretical specific capacity of 200 mAh g–1 and good compatibility with lithium metal-free anodes. However, LiI suffers from poor cycling stability and rate capability resulted from the serious shuttle effect of iodide and its low conductivity. Herein, a commercial active graphene (AG) with high pore volume, high specific surface area and good conductivity is employed as a host material for lithium iodide (LiI). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations of the resultant LiI/AG composites indicate that LiI uniformly disperses in the nanopores of AG. The LiI/AG composite cathode with 40 wt.% LiI shows enhanced electrochemical performance including excellent cycling stability and high Coulombic efficiency. This work demonstrates a simple strategy to fabricate efficient composite cathodes for high-performance rechargeable Li-I2 batteries.
Potentiometric Sensor Based on Chromium Vanadate Sensing Electrode for High Temperature Ammonia Detection
Authors: Wang Chao , He Yimin , Liu Hongming , Bin Yang  , Wang Jingxin , Yu Hanyu , Xia Feng , Xiao Jianzhong
Published: April 2021

Mixed-potential sensors using CrVO4 sensing electrodes were prepared for monitoring ammonia at high temperatures. NH3 sensitivity for the sensors sintered at 800 °C, 850 °C and 900 °C were −56.5, −75.0 and −32.1 mV/decade respectively for the NH3 above 10 ppm. High sintering temperature strengthens the bond of electrode and electrolyte, thus increasing the amount of TPB sites. Thinner electrode weakens the heterogeneous catalytic consumption of NH3. More reaction sites combined with higher NH3 concentration result in greater sensitivity for 850 °C-sintered sensor. 900 °C sintering leads to decomposition of CrVO4 into Cr2O3 and V2O5, which exhibits low NH3 sensitivity. In operating temperature range of 500 °C–600 °C, NH3 detection limit is 2 ppm. The sensor shows the biggest responses at 500 °C, but the optimum NH3 sensitivity of −75.0 mV/decade was obtained at 550 °C for the concentrations higher than 10 ppm. For the oxygen of 4–10 vol %, response is less affected by the change of oxygen content, the influence of water vapor with content of 5–6 vol % could also be ignored. The characteristics of high NH3 selectivity, sensitivity, long-term stability and anti-interference performances indicate that it is meaningful to use CrVO4 for ammonia detection in exhaust.
Raman Analysis and Electrochemical Reduction of Silicate Ions in Molten NaCl–CaCl2
Authors: Ma Yuanjia , Yamamoto Takayuki , Yasuda Kouji , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the ionic species and electrochemical reduction of silicate ions at a solid graphite electrode in molten NaCl–CaCl2 eutectic melts with various concentrations of O2− ion at 1023 K. Silicate ion species in the melts with various O2−/SiO2 ratios (

r

O

2
−

/

SiO

2

)

were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The dominant species was SiO3
2− for

r

O

2
−

/

SiO

2

= 1.0, and SiO4
4− for

r

O

2
−

/

SiO

2

= 1.5 and 2.0. From cyclic voltammetry, XRD, and SEM analyses, electrochemical reduction was indicated for SiO3
2− and SiO4
4− at more negative than 1.0 V and 0.80 V vs Na+/Na, respectively. Formation of CaSi2 was confirmed at 0.50 V in all molten salts with

r

O

2
−

/

SiO

2

= 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. The potential ranges for pure Si deposition are almost the same in molten salts with

r

O

2
−

/

SiO

2

= 1.0 and 1.5.
Surface Modifications Induced by Pretreatments and Effects on The Chemical Structure of TCP Conversion Coating on Al-Cu-Li Alloy (AA2050)
Authors: Li Meicheng , Zanna Sandrine , Seyeux Antoine , Wiame Frédéric , Marcus Philippe , Światowska Jolanta
Published: April 2021

Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) was developed as a promising conversion process aiming at enhancement of corrosion properties and adhesion of aluminium alloys. The alkaline etching and acid pickling are usually applied as surface pretreatments on aluminium alloys before TCP deposition in order to optimize their properties. In this work, the surface modifications of an Al-Cu-Li alloy (AA2050-T8) at different stages of pretreatment (alkaline degreasing and acid pickling) and subsequent TCP are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The pretreatments leading to significant enrichments in Cu and less marked in Ag, show also a strong influence on the subsequent formation of TCP in comparison to the non-pretreated, polished AA2050-T8 alloy. A slight decrease in Li content is observed in the oxide layer after pretreatment and no Li is present in the outer TCP layer. A thicker TCP conversion coating (outer oxide) with less cracks is formed on the pretreated alloy surface than on the polished one. Moreover, a Cu enrichment is evidenced in the TCP layer of the pretreated sample, which results in enhanced cathodic activity of pretreated sample with reference to polished sample as demonstrated by linear sweep voltammetry.
Computational Analysis of the Pulmonary Arteries in Congenital Heart Disease: A Review of the Methods and Results
Authors: Conijn M. , Krings G. J.
Published: April 2021

With the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), hemodynamics of the pulmonary arteries (PA’s) can be studied in detail and varying physiological circumstances and treatment options can be simulated. This offers the opportunity to improve the diagnostics and treatment of PA stenosis in biventricular congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim of this review was to evaluate the methods of computational studies for PA’s in biventricular CHD and the level of validation of the numerical outcomes. A total of 34 original research papers were selected. The literature showed a great variety in the used methods for (re) construction of the geometry as well as definition of the boundary conditions and numerical setup. There were 10 different methods identified to define inlet boundary conditions and 17 for outlet boundary conditions. A total of nine papers verified their CFD outcomes by comparing results to clinical data or by an experimental mock loop. The diversity in used methods and the low level of validation of the outcomes result in uncertainties regarding the reliability of numerical studies. This limits the current clinical utility of CFD for the study of PA flow in CHD. Standardization and validation of the methods are therefore recommended.
Gene Expression Profiling and Biofunction Analysis of HepG2 Cells Targeted by Crocetin
Authors: Wen Yi-Ling , Li Yong , Zhu Guangcheng , Zheng Zhibing , Shi Meng , Qin Si
Published: April 2021

Crocetin is a carotenoid extracted from Gardenia jasminoides, one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines, which has been used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The present study is aimed at clarifying the effect of crocetin on gene expression profiling of HepG2 cells by RNA-sequence assay and further investigating the molecular mechanism underlying the multiple biofunctions of crocetin based on bioinformatics analysis and molecular evidence. Among a total 23K differential genes identified, crocetin treatment upregulated the signals of 491 genes (2.14% of total gene probes) and downregulated the signals of 283 genes (1.24% of total gene probes) by ≥2-fold. The Gene Ontology analysis enriched these genes mainly on cell proliferation and apoptosis (BRD4 and DAXX); lipid formation (EHMT2); cell response to growth factor stimulation (CYP24A1 and GCNT2); and growth factor binding (ABCB1 and ABCG1), metabolism, and signal transduction processes. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that crocetin has the potential to regulate transcriptional misregulation, ABC transporters, bile secretion, alcoholism, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other pathways, of which SLE was the most significantly disturbed pathway. The PPI network was constructed by using the STRING online protein interaction database and Cytoscape software, and 21 core proteins were obtained. RT-qPCR datasets serve as the solid evidence that verified the accuracy of transcriptome sequencing results with the same change trend. This study provides first-hand data for comprehensively understanding crocetin targeting on hepatic metabolism and its multiple biofunctions.
A Four-Order Linear Recurrence Formula Involving the Quartic Gauss Sums and One Kind Two-Term Exponential Sums
Authors: Qi Lan , Lv Xingxing
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this paper is using the analytic method and the properties of the classical Gauss sums to study the computational problem of one kind hybrid power mean involving the quartic Gauss sums and two-term exponential sums and give an interesting four-order linear recurrence formula for it. As an application, we can obtain all values of this kind hybrid power mean with mathematica software.
Generalized Conformable Mean Value Theorems with Applications to Multivariable Calculus
Authors: Martínez Francisco , Martínez Inmaculada , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Paredes Silvestre
Published: April 2021

The conformable derivative and its properties have been recently introduced. In this research work, we propose and prove some new results on the conformable calculus. By using the definitions and results on conformable derivatives of higher order, we generalize the theorems of the mean value which follow the same argument as in the classical calculus. The value of conformable Taylor remainder is obtained through the generalized conformable theorem of the mean value. Finally, we introduce the conformable version of two interesting results of classical multivariable calculus via the conformable formula of finite increments.
Effect of Root Canal Filling Materials and Pretreatment with Solvents on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin with Primary Tooth Dentin
Authors: Ghouchani Taraneh Zeynalzade , Farhadpour Hajar , Mohammadi Najmeh
Published: April 2021

Aim. Root canal filling materials have the tendency to inhibit adhesion of resin‐based composites. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of root canal filling materials and their solvents on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite with the primary tooth dentin. Methods and Materials. Seventy‐two intact anterior primary teeth were selected. Smooth dentinal surfaces were prepared to a minimum diameter of 3 mm and thickness of 1.5–2.0 mm. The samples were equally divided into six groups (n = 12). In group 1: control group, no root filling material; in group 2: Metapex, no solvent; in group 3: Metapex+ethanol solvent; in group 4: ZOE, no solvent; in group 5: ZOE+ethanol solvent; and in group 6: ZOE+orange oil solvent were applied. Then, dentin surfaces were etched, and composite restorations were placed and cured. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. SBS values were determined using a universal testing machine. Results. The SBS values of composite to dentin in groups 2 and 4 were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Cleansing of the specimens with 96% ethanol after removal of Metapex significantly increased the composite‐dentin bond (P < 0.001). Applying ZOE, only orange oil solvent significantly increased the SBS of the composite to the primary tooth dentin (P = 0.01). Conclusion. To reduce the negative effects of endodontic root filling materials on the SBS of composite and primary tooth dentin, ethanol is a suitable solvent when Metapex is used, while orange oil might be a better choice than ethanol when applying ZOE.
From Blocking Shots to Blocking GI Transit, This Professional Basketball Player Does It All: A Case Report on Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: DeMaio Emily L. , Jarvis Richard C. , Cohen Jessica A. , Gleason Courtney N.
Published: April 2021

Small bowel obstructions (SBO) are a commonly encountered diagnosis within emergency departments. Typically, these patients have evident risk factors including, but not limited to, prior abdominal surgery, personal or family history of gastrointestinal disorders, femoral and inguinal hernias, or neoplasm. In this case, we describe an SBO in a female, professional athlete whose swift, severe symptom onset, rapid resolution with conservative treatment, lack of identifiable risk factors, and prompt return to high level competition without recurrence are certainly unique. A female professional basketball player in her mid-20’s with no past medical history presented with a seven-hour history of worsening abdominal pain beginning in the epigastric region and migrating to the right lower quadrant. Physical exam did not reveal abdominal distension, tympany to percussion, or high-pitched bowel sounds. Initial differential diagnosis included appendicitis, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and other genitourinary pathology. Computed tomography with contrast revealed distended loops of small bowel with wall thickening, enhancement, and decompressed loops of bowel distally, consistent with an SBO. Symptoms resolved after 24 hours with conservative treatment, including decompression with a nasogastric tube. The athlete returned to full participation five days after initial presentation without recurrence of symptoms. Outpatient gastroenterology workup was negative for predisposing conditions. This presentation is rare in the absence of bowel pathology, family history, or prior abdominal surgery. Perhaps, her profession as an athlete, with frequent air travel and extensive exercise, may have contributed to this unique presentation. This case report should serve as a reminder to all providers that SBOs can occur in young, active patients devoid of risk factors. Even in the absence of typical signs on physical examination, providers should use imaging as adjuncts based on their clinical gestalt and utilize conservative management, when appropriate, to maximize chances of recovery with minimal morbidity.
Multimedia Teaching of College Musical Education Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Wei
Published: April 2021

In view of the current situation of musical education and the need for reform in China, we adopt two different methods, i.e., literature method and interview method in this research work. From these methods, we read a lot of musical education, multimedia technology, and modern teaching and reform. This research work is divided into two main phases. Firstly, the article mainly discusses the characteristics of college musical education compared with other cultural courses and the feasibility of multimedia technology and the auxiliary function of musical education that is applied in school’s musical education. Secondly, brain computing attempts to analyze things by simulating the structure and information processing of biological neural networks. The intelligent learning characteristic of a deep learning algorithm is proposed to monitor the process of musical education teaching and analyze the process quality. Finally, we introduced the design and production of network multimedia courseware which will help in theoretical guidance and reference to the application of multimedia technology in college musical education in China. Moreover, the outcome of the proposed model can play a role in solving and answering questions in the current multimedia application process and Chinese college music workers will apply multimedia technology more effectively and skillfully.
Dietary Beta‐Hydroxy Beta‐Methyl Butyrate Supplementation Alleviates Liver Injury in Lipopolysaccharide‐Challenged Piglets
Authors: Duan Yehui , Song Bo , Zheng Changbing , Zhong Yinzhao , Guo Qiuping , Zheng Jie , Yin Yulong , Li Jianjun , Li Fengna
Published: April 2021

The current study was performed to investigate whether dietary β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) could regulate liver injury in a lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) challenged piglet model and to determine the mechanisms involved. Thirty piglets (21 ± 2 days old, 5.86 ± 0.18 kg body weight) were randomly divided into the control (a basal diet, saline injection), LPS (a basal diet), or LPS+HMB (a basal diet + 0.60% HMB‐Ca) group. After 15 d of treatment with LPS and/or HMB, blood and liver samples were obtained. The results showed that in LPS‐injected piglets, HMB supplementation ameliorated liver histomorphological abnormalities induced by LPS challenge. Compared to the control group, the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were increased in the LPS‐injected piglets (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge also downregulated the mRNA expression of L‐PFK, ACO, L‐CPT‐1, ICDH β, and AMPKα1/2 and upregulated the mRNA expression of PCNA, caspase 3, TNF‐α, TLR4, MyD88, NOD1, and NF‐κB p65 (P < 0.05). However, these adverse effects of the LPS challenge were reversed by HMB supplementation (P < 0.05). These results indicate that HMB may exert protective effects against LPS‐induced liver injury, and the underlying mechanisms might involve the improvement of hepatic energy metabolism via regulating AMPK signaling pathway and the reduction of liver inflammation via modulating TLR4 and NOD signaling pathways.
[Retracted] MiR‐502 Suppresses TNF‐α‐Induced Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis by Targeting TARF2
Authors: Guo Zhao , Gao Wen-Shan , Wang Yun-Fei , Gao Fei , Wang Wei , Ding Wen-Yuan
Published: April 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common cause of low back pain. This study is aimed at investigating the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating human nucleus pulposus (NP) cell injury induced by tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α in IVDD. In this study, we induced NP cells with 20 ng/mL TNF‐α in vitro, which promoted the obvious apoptosis of NP cells and the activation of nuclear transcription factor (NF)‐κB. In contrast, using the specific NF‐κB inhibitor BAY 11‐7082 to treat cells greatly impaired the activation of NF‐κB and increased the sensitivity of NP cells to TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, both TNF‐α and BAY 11‐7082 treatments were associated with marked miRNA dysregulation, with miR‐502 being upregulated by TNF‐α treatment and downregulated by BAY 11‐7082 treatment, respectively. And the overexpression of miR‐502 enhanced NF‐κB activation and suppressed apoptosis of human NP cells induced by TNF‐α, whereas the opposite was observed following miR‐502 inhibition. Last, through bioinformatic analyses and luciferase reporter gene experiments, we identified TRAF2, an important activator of NF‐κB, as a miR‐502 target gene. Similarly, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the TRAF2 expression also suppressed TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis and enhanced NF‐κB activation. Our findings provide evidence indicating that miR‐502 is a key regulator of apoptosis of human NP cells induced by TNF‐α by targeting TRAF2 and activating NF‐κB.
The Mechanism of Reinforced Backfill Body with Flexible Mesh
Authors: Liu Xiaosheng , Wang Weijun , Liu Quan , Yuan Chao
Published: April 2021

The backfill of metal mines is easily damaged by the disturbance due to their low strength. We proposed a method that uses flexible meshes as the backfill skeleton to enhance the strength of the backfill. The physical and mechanical properties of the flexible mesh‐reinforced filling body are investigated by combining theoretical analysis and laboratory experiments. The strengthening effect is remarkable with the flexible meshes. With the friction‐passive resistance between the high‐strength reinforcement material and the filling body, the insufficient tensile strength of the filling body is compensated and the reinforcement is improved. The ultimate compressive strength is increased by 1.07 to 1.35 times, and the elastic modulus is increased by 1.08 to 4.42 times. We concluded that the essence of strengthening the flexible mesh‐reinforced filling is to increase the cohesive force of the filling and increase the ability to resist external load damage.
Online English Teaching Course Score Analysis Based on Decision Tree Mining Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Xiaojun
Published: April 2021

With the advent of the Big Data era, information and data are growing in spurts, fueling the deep application of information technology in all levels of society. It is especially important to use data mining technology to study the industry trends behind the data and to explore the information value contained in the massive data. As teaching and learning in higher education continue to advance, student academic and administrative data are growing at a rapid pace. In this paper, we make full use of student academic data and campus behavior data to analyze the data inherent patterns and correlations and use these patterns rationally to provide guidance for teaching activities and teaching management, thus further improving the quality of teaching management. The establishment of a data‐mining‐technology‐based college repetition warning system can help student management departments to strengthen supervision, provide timely warning information for college teaching management as well as leaders and counselors’ decision‐making, and thus provide early help to students with repetition warnings. In this paper, we use the global search advantage of genetic algorithm to build a GABP hybrid prediction model to solve the local minimum problem of BP neural network algorithm. The data validation results show that Recall reaches 95% and F1 result is about 86%, and the accuracy of the algorithm prediction results is improved significantly. It can provide a solid data support basis for college administrators to predict retention. Finally, the problems in the application of the retention prediction model are analyzed and corresponding suggestions are given.
A New Class of Heavy‐Tailed Distributions: Modeling and Simulating Actuarial Measures
Authors: Zhao Jin , Ahmad Zubair , Mahmoudi Eisa , Hafez E. H. , Mohie El-Din Marwa M.
Published: April 2021

Statistical distributions play a prominent role for modeling data in applied fields, particularly in actuarial, financial sciences, and risk management fields. Among the statistical distributions, the heavy‐tailed distributions have proven the best choice to use for modeling heavy‐tailed financial data. The actuaries are often in search of such types of distributions to provide the best description of the actuarial and financial data. This study presents a new power transformation to introduce a new family of heavy‐tailed distributions useful for modeling heavy‐tailed financial data. A submodel, namely, heavy‐tailed beta‐power transformed Weibull model is considered to demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed method. Some actuarial measures such as value at risk, tail value at risk, tail variance, and tail variance premium are calculated. A brief simulation study based on these measures is provided. Finally, an application to the insurance loss dataset is analyzed, which revealed that the proposed distribution is a superior model among the competitors and could potentially be very adequate in describing and modeling actuarial and financial data.
Understanding the Complex Adoption Behavior of Cloud Services by SMEs Based on Complexity Theory: A Fuzzy Sets Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA)
Authors: Zhang Ge , Wang Weijie , Liang Yikai
Published: April 2021

To survive in a competitive environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have had to adapt to the digital environment in order to adjust to customer needs globally, particularly in the post‐COVID‐19 world. The advantages of cloud computing (e.g., flexibility, scalability, and low entry cost) provide opportunities for SMEs with a restricted budget and limited resources. To understand how SMEs adopt cloud computing in a complex digital environment, this study examines how antecedents combine with each other to explain the high adoption of cloud computing. From the perspectives of holism and set theory, we draw on complexity and configuration theories, present a conceptual model including seven antecedents based on the technology‐organization‐environment framework, and conduct an asymmetric fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis. Through an empirical study with 123 Chinese companies, we identify nine combinations (configurations) of determinant antecedents that lead to the high adoption of cloud computing. The results show that none of the factors are indispensable to explain a high adoption on their own; instead, they are insufficient but necessary parts of the causal combinations that explain a high adoption. This study contributes to the literature on cloud computing adoption by extending current knowledge on how antecedents combine to increase the adoption and identify specific patterns of SMEs for whom these factors are essential and greatly influence their adoption.
Advancing the Understanding of Vitamin D Status in Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Irshaidat Fatima , Lau Christopher , Pedoeem Ariel , Feng Christine , Fariduddin Maria Mohammed , Min Lei Lei , Bansal Nidhi
Published: April 2021

Background. Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Studies to examine the role of low vitamin D in increasing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia incidence have produced varying results. This study aimed to assess whether vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Methods. This retrospective study involved 244 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2014 and 2019. Patients were divided into two groups based on pre-operative vitamin D levels. Group A and Group B had pre-operative vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels of ≥20 ng/ml and <20 ng/ml (reference range for vitamin D is 30–100 ng/dl). The effect of vitamin D, gender, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity on post-operative calcium and PTH levels was analyzed. Results. Post-operative calcium levels for Group A were not statistically different compared to Group B (8.52 ± 0.64 mg/dl vs. 8.45 ± 0.58 mg/dl (mean ± S.D.;

p

value = 0.352). The average post-operative PTH of the two groups did not differ significantly (Group A: 32.4 ± 27.5 pg/ml; Group B: 34.4 ± 41.7 pg/ml;

p

value = 0.761). Conclusion. Pre-operative vitamin D levels are not predictive of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.
Endoscopic Drainage of Giant Pancreatic Pseudocysts Using Both Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent and Plastic Stent: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Alzeerelhouseini Hussam I. A. , Elqadi Muawiyah , Elqadi Mohammad N. , Abukhalaf Sadi A. , Ashhab Hazem A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction. A pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) with major diameter equal to 10 cm or more is called a giant pseudocyst. The ideal management for giant PPs is controversial. Endoscopic drainage is an alternative nonsurgical approach for PP management. Only a few cases of giant PPs were reported to be managed by endoscopic drainage. Case Presentation. We reported two cases of giant PPs following an episode of acute pancreatitis. Both were resolved following endoscopic cystogastrostomy using metallic and double-pigtail stents with excellent outcomes. There was no history of recurrence or complications on follow-up. In addition, we extensively reviewed all available literature studies of giant pancreatic pseudocyst presentation, management, and complications. We summarized all reported cases and presented them in a comprehensive table. Conclusion. The endoscopic cystogastrostomy approach is cost saving, can avoid surgical complications, and offers an early hospital discharge.
Fluid Performance in Coal Reservoirs: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Gao Changjing , Liu Dameng , Li Zhentao , Cai Yidong , Fang Yufeng
Published: April 2021

The fluids in coal reservoirs mainly consist of different gases and liquids, which show different physical properties, occurrence behaviors, and transport characteristics in the pore-fracture system of coal. In this study, the basic characteristics of fluids in coal reservoirs are firstly reviewed, consisting of coalbed methane (CBM) components and physical properties of CBM/coalbed water. The complex pore-fracture system mainly provides the enrichment space and flow path for fluids, which have been qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by various methods in recent years. Subsequently, this study has summarized CBM adsorption/desorption behaviors and models, the CBM diffusion-seepage process and models, and gas-water two-phase flow characteristics of coal reservoirs. Reviewed studies also include the effects of internal factors (such as coal metamorphism, petrographic constituents, macroscopic types, and pore structure) and external factors (such as pressure, temperature, and moisture content) on CBM adsorption/desorption and diffusion behaviors, and the relationship between three main effects (effective stress, gas slippage effect, and coal matrix shrinkage effect) and the CBM seepage process. Moreover, we also discuss in depth the implication of fluid occurrence and transport characteristics in coal reservoirs for CBM production. This review is aimed at proposing some potential research directions in future studies, which mainly includes the control mechanism of the microscopic dynamics of fluids on CBM enrichment/storage; enhancing CBM desorption/seepage rate; and the synergistic effect of multiple spaces, multilevel flow fields, and multiphase flow in coal reservoirs. From this review, we have a deeper understanding of the occurrence and transport characteristics of fluids in pore-fracture structures of coal and the implication of fluid performance for CBM production. The findings of this study can help towards a better understanding of gas-water production principles in coal reservoirs and enhancing CBM recovery.
Inhibitory Effects of Porphyra tenera Extract on Oxidation and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Lee Chul Won , Ahn Yong-Tae , Zhao Rongjie , Kim Youn Sook , Park Sang Mi , Jung Dae Hwa , Kim Jae Kwang , Kim Hyung Woo , Kim Sang Chan , An Won G.
Published: April 2021

Porphyra tenera (laver) has long been a popular and traditional seaweed food in Korea, Japan, and China. Historically, it was known as a marine medicinal herb to treat hemorrhoids and cholera morbus in Donguibogam. We investigated the effects of P. tenera extract (PTE) for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities were measured using assays for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging and its superoxide dismutase- (SOD-) like activity, and through the inhibitory production of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), NO, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The antioxidant assay results showed that PTE displayed DPPH radical scavenging activity (46.44%), NO radical scavenging activity (67.14%), and SOD-like activity (80.29%) at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. In the anti-inflammatory assays, treatment with PTE (1 mg/mL) significantly inhibited expression levels of LPS-induced COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the production of PGE2, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. These results show that PTE has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and provide scientific evidence to explain the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of PTE.
Degree-Based Topological Indices of Polysaccharides: Amylose and Blue Starch-Iodine Complex
Authors: Rani Anam , Ali Usman
Published: April 2021

Starch is a polymer of glucose where alpha-linkages are associated with glucopyranose units. It comprises a mixture of amylose and amylopectin. Furthermore, amylose is a linear chain of hundreds of glucose molecules. Starches are not allowed to be dissolved in water. They can be digested by breaking down alpha bonds (glycosidic bonds). Its cyclic degradation products, called cyclodextrins, are the best role models for amylose. They can be considered simple turns of the amylose propeller that has imploded into a circular path. Both humans and animals have amylases, which allow them to digest starches. The important sources of starch include potatoes, rice, wheat, and maize for human consumption. The production of starches is how plants store glucose. The blue colour of starch produced by an iodine solution or iodine reaction is used for its identification. Polysaccharides with a reduced degree of polymerization, known as dextrins, are produced in the starch’s partial acid hydrolysis. Complete hydrolysis leads to glucose. In this article, we compute the topological properties: Zagreb index

M

1

Γ

and

M

2

Γ

, Randić index

R

α

Γ

for

α
=
−

1
/
2

,
−
1
,

1
/
2

,
1

, atom-bond connectivity index

ABC

Γ

, geometric-arithmetic index

GA

Γ

, fourth atom-bond connectivity index

ABC

4

Γ

, fifth geometric-arithmetic index

GA

5

Γ

, and degree-based topological indices of a graph

Γ

representing polysaccharides, namely, amylose and blue starch-iodine complex. In the end, we compare these indices and depict their graphic behavior.