Random Logic Programs: Linear Model

This paper proposes a model, the linear model, for randomly generating logic programs with low density of rules and investigates statistical properties of such random logic programs. It is mathematically shown that the average number of answer sets for a random program converges to a constant when the number of atoms approaches infinity. Several experimental results are also reported, which justify the suitability of the linear model. It is also experimentally shown that, under this model, the size distribution of answer sets for random programs tends to a normal distribution when the number of atoms is sufficiently large.Comment: 33 pages. To appear in: Theory and Practice of Logic Programmin

Preferential Multi-Context Systems

Multi-context systems (MCS) presented by Brewka and Eiter can be considered as a promising way to interlink decentralized and heterogeneous knowledge contexts. In this paper, we propose preferential multi-context systems (PMCS), which provide a framework for incorporating a total preorder relation over contexts in a multi-context system. In a given PMCS, its contexts are divided into several parts according to the total preorder relation over them, moreover, only information flows from a context to ones of the same part or less preferred parts are allowed to occur. As such, the first $l$ preferred parts of an PMCS always fully capture the information exchange between contexts of these parts, and then compose another meaningful PMCS, termed the $l$-section of that PMCS. We generalize the equilibrium semantics for an MCS to the (maximal) $l_{\leq}$-equilibrium which represents belief states at least acceptable for the $l$-section of an PMCS. We also investigate inconsistency analysis in PMCS and related computational complexity issues

Conformal Freeze-In, Composite Dark Photon, and Asymmetric Reheating

Large classes of dark sector models feature mass scales and couplings very different from the ones we observe in the Standard Model (SM). Moreover, in the freeze-in mechanism, often employed by the dark sector models, it is also required that the dark sector cannot be populated during the reheating process like the SM. This is the so called asymmetric reheating. Such disparities in sizes and scales often call for dynamical explanations. In this paper, we explore a scenario in which slow evolving conformal field theories (CFTs) offer such an explanation. Building on the recent work on conformal freeze-in (COFI), we focus on a coupling between the Standard Model Hypercharge gauge boson and an anti-symmetric tensor operator in the dark CFT. We present a scenario which dynamically realizes the asymmetric reheating and COFI production. With a detailed study of dark matter production, and taking into account limits on the dark matter (DM) self-interaction, warm DM bound, and constraints from the stellar evolution, we demonstrate that the correct relic abundance can be obtained with reasonable choices of parameters. The model predicts the existence of a dark photon as an emergent composite particle, with a small kinetic mixing also determined by the CFT dynamics, which correlates it with the generation of the mass scale of the dark sector. At the same time, COFI production of dark matter is very different from those freeze-in mediated by the dark photon. This is an example of the physics in which a realistic dark sector model can often be much richer and with unexpected features.Comment: 41 pages, 8 figure

Probing flavor nonuniversal theories through Higgs physics at the LHC and future colliders

We explored the possibility that Higgs coupling to new physics violates flavor universality. In particular, we parametrize such models with dimension-six effective operators which modify the coupling between the first generation quarks, Higgs boson, and $Z$ boson. Through the use of boosted Higgsstrahlung events at both the HL-LHC and potential future hadron colliders, as well as existing ATLAS data for background estimates, we projected constraints on the scale of new physics as a function of the Wilson coefficient. The high energy $Zh$ process will provide unique information about these class of operators, and the sensitivity is competitive with the LEP electroweak precision measurements. We include different scenarios of the overall systematic uncertainties and the PDF uncertainties when presenting the projected sensitivities. We also discuss the constraints from flavor changing neutral currents to these flavor-violating models and the complementarity of the exotic Higgs decay to the $Zh$ process

Noise suppression of on-chip mechanical resonators by chaotic coherent feedback

We propose a method to decouple the nanomechanical resonator in optomechanical systems from the environmental noise by introducing a chaotic coherent feedback loop. We find that the chaotic controller in the feedback loop can modulate the dynamics of the controlled optomechanical system and induce a broadband response of the mechanical mode. This broadband response of the mechanical mode will cut off the coupling between the mechanical mode and the environment and thus suppress the environmental noise of the mechanical modes. As an application, we use the protected optomechanical system to act as a quantum memory. It's shown that the noise-decoupled optomechanical quantum memory is efficient for storing information transferred from coherent or squeezed light

Expression of miR-126 and its potential function in coronary artery disease

Objective: This study aimed to explore the role of miR-126 in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and the potential gene targets of miR-126 in atherosclerosis.Methodology: A total of 60 CAD patients and 25 healthy control subjects were recruited in this study. Among the 60 CAD patients, 18 cases were diagnosed of stable angina pectoris (SAP), 20 were diagnosed of unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and 22 were diagnosed of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Plasma miR-126 levels from both groups of participants were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. ELISA was used to measure plasma level of placenta growth factor (PLGF).Results: The results showed that the miR-126 expression was significantly down-regulated in the circulation of CAD patients compared with control subjects (P<0.01). Plasma PLGF level was significantly upregulated in patients with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with controls (both P<0.01) the miR-126 expression in AMI was significantly associated with PLGF.Conclusion: miR-126 may serve as a novel biomarker for CAD.Keywords: miR-126; PLGF; PCR; coronary artery disease; atherosclerosi

Population Genetic Structure of Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae), an Endangered Endemic Species of Eastern China

• Background and Aims Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae) standing for the monotypic genus is endemic to eastern China. Its conservation status is vulnerable as most populations are small and isolated. Monimopetalum chinense is capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually. The aim of this study was to understand the genetic structure of M. chinense and to suggest conservation strategies. • Methods One hundred and ninety individuals from ten populations sampled from the entire distribution area of M. chinense were investigated by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). • Key Results A total of 110 different ISSR bands were generated using ten primers. Low levels of genetic variation were revealed both at the species level (Isp = 0·183) and at the population level (Ipop = 0·083). High clonal diversity (D = 0·997) was found, and strong genetic differentiation among populations was detected (49·06 %). • Conclusions Small population size, possible inbreeding, limited gene flow due to short distances of seed dispersal, fragmentation of the once continuous range and subsequent genetic drift, may have contributed to shaping the population genetic structure of the specie