bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in OsSPL10 confer drought tolerance by directly regulating OsNAC2 expression and ROS production in rice
Authors: Li Yingxiu , Han Shichen , Sun Xingming , Khan Najeeb Ullah , Zhong Qun , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang , Ming Feng , Li Zichao , Li Jinjie
Published: November 2022

Drought is a major factor restricting the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The identification of natural variants for drought stress‐related genes is an important step toward developing genetically improved rice varieties. Here, we characterized a member of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE (SPL) family, OsSPL10, as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of drought tolerance in rice. OsSPL10 appears to play a vital role in drought tolerance by controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and stomatal movements. Haplotype and allele frequency analyses of OsSPL10 indicated that most upland rice and improved lowland rice varieties harbor the OsSPL10Hap1 allele, whereas the OsSPL10Hap2 allele was mainly present in lowland and landrace rice varieties. Importantly, we demonstrated that the varieties with the OsSPL10Hap1 allele showed low expression levels of OsSPL10 and its downstream gene, OsNAC2, which decreases the expression of OsAP37 and increases the expression of OsCOX11, thus preventing ROS accumulation and programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, the knockdown or knockout of OsSPL10 induced fast stomatal closure and prevented water loss, thereby improving drought tolerance in rice. Based on these observations, we propose that OsSPL10 confers drought tolerance by regulating OsNAC2 expression and that OsSPL10Hap1 could be a valuable haplotype for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in rice.
Cucumis sativus and Ipomoea purpurea: New hosts for Alternaria hydrangeae in China
Authors: Liu Feng‐Yin , Gou Ya‐Nan , Liu Tong‐Yao , Huang Cheng‐Xin , Deng Jian‐Xin
Published: November 2022

Alternaria leaf spot is a common disease on various plants worldwide. In this study, an Alternaria species, A. hydrangeae causing leaf spot on Cucumis sativus (cucumber) and Ipomoea purpurea in China was identified based on morphology and multi‐locus analysis of the partial ITS, GAPDH, Alt a 1, TEF1, and RPB2 gene regions. The pathogenicity of the present isolates and a representative isolate of A. hydrangeae were assessed on living leaves of C. sativus, I. purpurea and Hydrangea paniculata. Similar symptoms were observed on every plant inoculated with the isolates. The same fungus was re‐isolated from inoculated leaves fulfilling Koch's postulates. Morphology of the original and re‐isolated isolates showed characteristics similar to A. hydrangeae with some variations. Multi‐locus analysis indicated that the present isolate fell into A. hydrangeae clade. This study is the first report of A. hydrangeae as an agent of Alternaria leaf spot in C. sativus and I. purpurea in China, which extends the host range of the fungus.
Recent advances in benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy
Authors: Matsukawa Miho Kawabe , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Tsuji Shoji , Toda Tatsushi
Published: November 2022

Benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME), also called familial cortical myoclonic tremor and epilepsy (FCMTE), autosomal dominant cortical tremor, myoclonus, and epilepsy (ADCME), and familial adult myoclonic epilepsy (FAME) is a disorder characterized by infrequent generalized seizures and tremulous myoclonus with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The diagnosis of BAFME was previously based on clinical features and electrophysiological findings, but genetic analysis is now increasingly becoming important in the diagnosis after identification of repeat expansions; BAFME is caused by expansions of TTTCA and TTTTA repeats in SAMD12 (BAFME1), STARD7 (BAFME2), MARCHF6 (BAFME3), YEATS2 (BAFME4), TNRC6A (BAFME6), or RAPGEF2 (BAFME7). The findings strongly support a concept of “repeat motif–phenotype correlation” which we have proposed previously. Pathologically, BAFME1 patients carrying heterozygous expansions of TTTCA and TTTTA repeats do not show any obvious abnormal neuropathological findings in the central nervous system. These pathological findings, in addition to electrophysiological studies, suggest a dysfunctional neuronal circuit that causes enhanced excitability of the sensorimotor cortex. Autopsied brains of BAFME1 patients showed RNA foci consisting of UUUCA repeats in cortical neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. These findings suggest that RNA toxicity caused by UUUCA repeat expansions is involved in the pathogenesis of BAFME. Since our discovery of the causative gene for BAFME1, progress has been made in genetic studies of each type of BAFME, as well as in pathogenetic mechanisms of BAFME caused by TTTCA and TTTTA expansions. Here, we present a comprehensive review on recent advances focusing on expanded TTTCA and TTTTA repeats in BAFME.
Music engagement is negatively correlated with depressive symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic via reward‐related mechanisms
Authors: Mas‐Herrero Ernest , Singer Neomi , Ferreri Laura , McPhee Michael , Zatorre Robert J. , Ripollés Pablo
Published: November 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has deeply affected the mental health of millions of people. We assessed which of many leisure activities correlated with positive mental health outputs, with particular attention to music, which has been reported to be important for coping with the psychological burden of the pandemic. Questionnaire data from about 1000 individuals primarily from Italy, Spain, and the United States during May–June 2020 show that people picked music activities (listening to, playing, singing, etc.) most often as the leisure experiences that helped them the most to cope with psychological distress related with the pandemic. During the pandemic, hours of engagement in music and food‐related activities were associated with lower depressive symptoms. The negative correlation between music and depression was mediated by individual differences in sensitivity to reward, whereas the correlation between food‐related activities and improved mental health outputs was explained by differences in emotion suppression strategies. Our results, while correlational, suggest that engaging in music activities could be related to improved well‐being with the underlying mechanism being related to reward, consistent with neuroscience findings. Our data have practical significance in pointing to effective strategies to cope with mental health issues beyond those related to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion: First‐step or adjunctive choice for perimitral atrial tachycardia?
Authors: Gao Ming‐Yang , Sang Cai‐Hua , Huang Li‐Hong , Lai Yi‐Wei , Guo Qi , Liu Xiao‐Xia , Zuo Song , Li Chang‐Yi , Wang Wei , Guo Xue‐Yuan , Zhao Xin , Li Song‐Nan , Jiang Chen‐Xi , Liu Nian , Tang Ri‐Bo , Du Xin , Long De‐Yong , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: November 2022

Background

Perimitral atrial tachycardia (PMAT) is the most frequent type of iatrogenic atrial tachycardia (AT) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion (EIVOM) is a promising technique in mitral isthmus (MI) ablation.

Methods

A total of 165 patients with PMAT were divided into three groups according to ablation strategies, including RF only group (n = 89), RF‐EIVOM group (initial RF ablation with adjunctive EIVOM, n = 28), and EIVOM‐RF group (first‐step EIVOM with touch‐up RF ablation, n = 48). Acute and follow‐up procedure outcomes were evaluated.

Results

PMAT terminated in 89.9%, 89.3%, and 93.7% of patients in RF only, RF‐EIVOM and EIVOM‐RF groups, respectively (p = .715), with complete MI block achieved in 80.9%, 89.3%, and 95.8% of patients (EIVOM‐RF vs. RF only, p = .012). First‐step utilization of EIVOM was associated with a significant shortening of RF ablation time at MI (EIVOM‐RF 2.1 ± 1.3 min, RF only 7.9 ± 5.9 min, RF‐EIVOM 6.8 ± 5.8 min; p < .001) and a decrease in the proportion of patients need ablation within coronary sinus (CS, EIVOM‐RF 14.6%, RF only 61.8%, RF‐EIVOM 64.3%; p < .001). After a mean follow‐up of 12.1 ± 6.2 months, AF/AT recurred in 39 (43.8%), 6 (21.4%), and 12 (25.0%) patients in RF only, RF‐EIVOM, and EIVOM‐RF group (RF‐EIVOM vs. RF only, p = .026; EIVOM‐RF vs. RF only, p = .022).

Conclusions

EIVOM was associated with an enhanced acute MI block rate as well as reduced AF/AT recurrence. First‐step utilization of EIVOM promises to significantly simplify the RF ablation process.

Condensed abstract

PMAT is the most common type of iatrogenic AT after AF ablation procedures. EIVOM contributed to a higher acute MI block rate and lower arrhythmia recurrence risk during follow‐up. First‐step utilization of EIVOM significantly reduced the need for radiofrequency ablation at MI and inside CS with the advantage of creating a homogenous, transmural lesion and eliminating epicardial connections.
Analysis of dermatology emergency consultations in a pediatric population: One‐year retrospective audit from the largest Portuguese tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Sun Lanyu , Alpalhão Miguel , Filipe Paulo
Published: November 2022

A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients examined via dermatology emergency consultation over 1 year. A total of 1352 diagnoses, including 100 distinct disorders, were recorded. Regardless of the diversity of skin conditions observed, a relatively small number of disorders were found repeatedly. We encourage education aimed at ED providers to focus on the diagnosis and management of the more commonly encountered disorders, including atopic dermatitis and infectious skin disorders.
Panpsychism and God
Authors: Leidenhag Joanna
Published: November 2022

Panpsychism is the view, found in ancient and modern, Eastern and Western philosophies, that mind is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of the universe. This article explores the use of panpsychism to support different views of God. It is seen that as a family of views, panpsychism is a theologically flexible position that has been used to support atheism, pantheism, panentheism, and traditional monotheism. However, the relationship between panpsychism and philosophy of religion is not infinitely flexible. Different versions of panpsychism constrain these models of God, andvice versa. The different motivations for linking panpsychism to (dis)belief in God reveals the range of ways of interpreting the spiritual import of positing mentality in nature.
Unsupervised learning‐based recognition and extraction for intelligent automatic video retrieval
Authors: Balasundaram Sathiyaprasad , Krishnamoorthy Seetharaman
Published: November 2022

Image queries‐based automatic recognition is a crucial element of video retrieval. Many recognition systems were proposed with different illustrations in image‐based video retrieval domains. However, intelligent automatic video retrieval recognition (IAVRR) systems development and implementation usage on video retrieval are recurring only at long intervals. Because software and hardware schemes and their updating strategies are used to necessitate automatic recognition of video retrieval image queries, to manage such functions as automated recognition of the image queries in video retrieval with a reduced degree of system memory usage, spots detection, maintenance time, identification of exact duplicate videos, etc. Simultaneously, to solve such problems, it is necessary to use video retrieval and recognition methods and algorithms that allow recognising image queries with a high degree of accuracy in a sufficient time in the conditions of interference and distortion in images. This research determination demonstrates a modified R‐ratio with Viola‐Jones (Mr. VJ) framework with the relevance of developing techniques and algorithms for automatic recognition of image queries. The proposed methods and their relevant algorithms are used to retrieve the highest real videos and ensure video retrieval's mathematical operation in the comparable protected system's operation. The protected system controls over the localisation, normalisation, parsing, segmentation and recognition are accomplished. Hence, the proposed R‐ratio analysis showed high efficiency in experiments on automatic recognition of image queries. Its application made it possible to provide a reasonably short time and high image recognition accuracy in conditions of their different locations. When using the proposed R‐ratio analysis methods with Viola‐Jones, the recognition time is about < 1000 ms. The retrieval accuracy is from 90% to 100% at the various quality of the image pixels.
Effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization in Quangang, China
Authors: Feng Jianxiang , Guo Jianlin , Cao Yiting , Hu Naxu , Yu Chenxi , Li Rui
Published: November 2022

The Spartina alterniflora has severely invaded the coastal mangrove ecosystems in China. Here, we attempt to evaluate the invasion effect of S. alterniflora and the restoration effect of mangrove wetlands from the perspective of the nitrogen cycle characteristics. The inorganic nitrogen content, soil nitrogen mineralization, ammonification, and nitrification rate of uninvaded mudflats with those of invaded S. alterniflora site and native Kandelia obovata site at different restoration stages were compared. The results showed that the NH4+–N was the dominant form of soil inorganic nitrogen at all sites. Owing to its higher ammonification rates, the nitrogen mineralization rates at S. alterniflora site were highest in spring and summer among all sites except for mudflat. The young mangrove (1 year and 8 years) had significantly higher soil inorganic nitrogen content but lower nitrogen mineralization than the mature mangrove, indicated the short‐term response to restoration. The S. alterniflora invasion did not enhance soil nitrogen mineralization comparing with preinvaded mudflat, but it used more NH4+–N relative to K. obovata due to its higher soil nitrogen mineralization than mangrove communities in germination and growing seasons.
Site‐directed mutagenesis of HLA molecules reveals the functional epitope of a human HLA‐A1/A36‐specific monoclonal antibody
Authors: Meng Tina , Bezstarosti Suzanne , Singh Ujjwala , Yap Michelle , Scott Laura , Petrosyan Naiiry , Quiroz Fred , Eps Ned Van , Hui Eric Ka‐Wai , Suh David , Zhu Quansheng , Pei Rui , Kramer Cynthia S. M. , Claas Frans H. J. , Lowe David , Heidt Sebastiaan
Published: November 2022

Eplet 44KM is currently listed in the HLA Epitope Registry but does not adhere to the eplet definition of an amino acid configuration within a 3.5 Å radius. Eplet 44KM has been previously redefined to the antibody‐verified reactivity pattern 44K/150V/158V, based on reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibody VDK1D12. Since the three residues are always simultaneously present on common HLA alleles, methods to define which residue is crucial for antibody‐induction and binding are limited. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we performed site‐directed mutagenesis to narrow down the antibody‐verified reactivity pattern 44K/150V/158V to a single amino acid and defined 44K as the eplet or functional epitope of mAb VDK1D12.
The novel HLA‐C*03:605 allele, identified using next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Liu Keyao , Wang Yan , Ma Junxia , Wang Linlin , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2022

The HLA‐C*03:605 allele differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 by a single nucleotide in exon 4, position 680.
Assessment of Model Validation, Calibration, and Prediction Approaches in the Presence of Uncertainty
Authors: Whiting Nolan W. , Roy Christopher J. , Duque Earl , Lawrence Seth , Oberkampf William L.
Published: November 2022

Model validation is the process of determining the degree to which a model is an accurate representation of the true value in the real world. The results of a model validation study can be used to either quantify the model form uncertainty or to improve/calibrate the model. The model validation process becomes complex when there is uncertainty in the simulation and/or experimental outcomes. These uncertainties can be in the form of aleatory uncertainties due to randomness or epistemic uncertainties due to lack of knowledge. Five different approaches are used for addressing model validation and predictive capability: (1) the area validation metric (AVM), (2) a modified area validation metric (MAVM) with confidence intervals, (3) the validation uncertainty procedure from ASME V&V 20, (4) a calibration procedure interpreted from ASME V&V 20, and (5) identification of the model discrepancy term using Bayesian estimation. To provide an unambiguous assessment of these different approaches, synthetic experimental data is generated from computational fluid dynamics simulations of an airfoil with a flap. A simplified model is then developed using thin airfoil theory. The accuracy of the simplified model is assessed using the synthetic experimental data. The quantities examined include the two-dimensional lift and moment coefficients for the airfoil with varying angles of attack and flap deflection angles. Each of these approaches is assessed for the ability to tightly encapsulate the true value at conditions both where experimental results are provided and prediction locations where no experimental data are available. Generally, it was seen that the MAVM performed the best in cases where there is a sparse amount of data and/or large extrapolations. Furthermore, it was found that Bayesian estimation outperformed the others where there is an extensive amount of experimental data that covers the application domain.
Statistical Rule Extraction for Gas Turbine Trip Prediction
Authors: Bechini Giovanni , Losi Enzo , Manservigi Lucrezia , Pagliarini Giovanni , Sciavicco Guido , Stan Ionel Eduard , Venturini Mauro
Published: November 2022

Gas turbine trip is an operational event that arises when undesirable operating conditions are approached or exceeded, and predicting its onset is a largely unexplored area. The application of novel artificial intelligence methods to this problem is interesting both from the computer science and the engineering point of view, and the results may be relevant in both the academia and the industry. In this paper, we consider data gathered from a fleet of Siemens industrial gas turbines in operation that includes several thermodynamic variables observed during a long period of operation. To assess the possibility of predicting trip events, we first apply a new, systematic statistical analysis to identify the most important variables, then we use a novel machine learning technique known as temporal decision tree, which differs from canonical decision tree because it allows a native treatment of the temporal component, and has an elegant logical interpretation that eases the posthoc validation of the results. Finally, we use the learned models to extract statistical rules. As a result, we are able to select the five most informative variables, build a predictive model with an average accuracy of 73%, and extract several rules. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use such an approach not only in the gas turbine field but also in the whole industry domain.
Autoimmune glial fibrillar acidic protein astrocytopathy mimicking tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Someko Hidehiro , Shiojiri Toshiaki
Published: November 2022

Autoimmune glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy typically presents as acute or subacute meningoencephalitis with or without myelitis. We describe a case of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy that mimicked tuberculous meningitis. A man in his 70s was referred to our hospital with lethargy persistent for 2 months, appetite loss for 1 month and fever with headache for 10 days. The cerebrospinal fluid test revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA). Laboratory investigations ruled out microbial and neoplastic causes. Empirical therapy for tuberculous meningitis combined with corticosteroid improved the patient’s condition. Culture forMycobacterium tuberculosisfailed to show microbial growth despite 1 month of incubation. The cerebrospinal fluid was examined for GFAP antibody and returned positive result. Antituberculous agents were discontinued, and corticosteroid was administered until patient’s symptoms resolved completely. Thus, clinicians should consider autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy as one of the differential diagnoses of lymphocytic meningitis with elevated ADA.
Understanding primary care diagnosis and management of sleep disturbance for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: a realist review protocol
Authors: Greene Leanne , Aryankhesal Aidin , Megson Molly , Blake Jessica , Wong Geoff , Briscoe Simon , Hilton Andrea , Killett Anne , Reeve Joanne , Allan Louise , Ballard Clive , Broomfield Niall , van Horik Jayden , Khondoker Mizanur , Lazar Alpar , Litherland Rachael , Livingston Gill , Maidment Ian , Medina-Lara Antonieta , Rook George , Scott Sion , Shepstone Lee , Fox Chris
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The increasingly ageing population is associated with greater numbers of people living with dementia (PLwD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). There are an estimated 55 million PLwD and approximately 6% of people over 60 years of age are living with MCI, with the figure rising to 25% for those aged between 80 and 84 years. Sleep disturbances are common for this population, but there is currently no standardised approach within UK primary care to manage this. Coined as a ‘wicked design problem’, sleep disturbances in this population are complex, with interventions supporting best management in context.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this realist review is to deepen our understanding of what is considered ‘sleep disturbance’ in PLwD or MCI within primary care. Specifically, we endeavour to better understand how sleep disturbance is assessed, diagnosed and managed. To co-produce this protocol and review, we have recruited a stakeholder group comprising individuals with lived experience of dementia or MCI, primary healthcare staff and sleep experts. This review will be conducted in line with Pawson’s five stages including the development of our initial programme theory, literature searches and the refinement of theory. The Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) quality and reporting standards will also be followed. The realist review will be an iterative process and our initial realist programme theory will be tested and refined in response to our data searches and stakeholder discussions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this review. We will follow the RAMESES standards to ensure we produce a complete and transparent report. Our final programme theory will help us to devise a tailored sleep management tool for primary healthcare professionals, PLwD and their carers. Our dissemination strategy will include lay summaries via email and our research website, peer-reviewed publications and social media posts.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022304679.
Computational analysis of the blood hemodynamic inside internal cerebral aneurysm in the existence of endovascular coiling
Authors: Sadeh Asal , Kazemi Admin , Bahramkhoo Moharam , Barzegar Gerdroodbary M.
Published: November 2022

The precise evaluations of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are highly prominent for the treatment and control of aneurysm rupture. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations based on angiography image is a reliable tool for the recognition of high-risk region and aneurysm status in recent years. In our study, the CFD is used to investigate the impacts of blood hematocrit and coiling techniques on the risk of aneurysm rupture. To do this, wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI) and pressure distribution on the wall of an aneurysm are comprehensively evaluated in various coding porosities and blood viscosities. One-way Fluid Solid Interaction (FSI) technique is applied to investigate the non-Newtonian, pulsatile blood stream inside the sac of the aneurysm. Impacts of two coiling porosities and blood hematocrits of 0.3 and 0.5 on blood features inside the sac are also analyzed. The influence of the blood mass flow rate in four different time instants of blood cycles on the size of the high-risk region on the aneurysm wall is demonstrated. Our results show that more than 40% reduction is noticed when the hematocrit (HCT) of blood is reduced from 0.5 to 0.3 in different time instants. Our findings also reveal that decreasing the porosity from 0.96 to 0.74 in the peak systolic stage results in a 28% reduction in the maximum OSI at specific HCT = 0.4.
Well-posedness and numerical simulations employing Legendre-shifted spectral approach for Caputo–Fabrizio fractional stochastic integrodifferential equations
Authors: Badawi Haneen , Arqub Omar Abu , Shawagfeh Nabil
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the well-posedness of a class of FSIDEs utilizing the fractional Caputo–Fabrizio derivative. Herein, the well-posedness proofs are constructed by considering some applicable conditions and combining theories of Banach space, AAT, and FPST. Approximating the solutions of such equations is still challenging for many mathematicians today due to their randomness and the hardness of finding the exact one. For the numerical aim, we introduce some useful properties of the Legendre-shifted polynomials and employ them as a basis of the collocation spectral method. The idea of this scheme is to convert such stochastic equations into algebraic systems subject to [Formula: see text]-measurable independent parameters. The stochastic term is driven by one-dimensional standard Brownian motion which is the most familiar type and for simulating its trajectories we discuss an easy method. We rigorously analyze the convergence of the proposed technique and other error behavior-bound results. Finally, various tangible numerical applications are performed to verify the present scheme’s accuracy and great feasibility and support theoretical results. The acquired results reveal that the methodology used is effective and appropriate to deal with various issues in light of the fractional Caputo–Fabrizio derivative.
Human mobility in the airport transportation network of the United States
Authors: Ruiz-Gayosso J. A. , Riascos A. P.
Published: November 2022

In this research, we analyze the air transportation network of the United States of America using databases with passenger activity containing detailed records of domestic flights between airports. Different properties obtained from the origin-destination matrix in the air transport network are studied from 2011 to 2020. The results are compared with a model based on the gravity law for human mobility defined in terms of transition probabilities and travel distances. The predictions of this model are confirmed through Monte Carlo simulations. Our findings reproduce the dynamics of passengers in the airport transportation network.
Spectral analysis for weighted level-3 Sierpiński graphs
Authors: Zhu Xingchao , Zhu Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

The spectrum of normalized Laplacian matrix of a network has attracted more and more attention because it is related to the structural properties and dynamical aspects of the network, specially in random walks. In this paper, we study the spectra and their applications of normalized Laplacian matrices for weighted level-3 Sierpiński graphs that are constructed in an iterative way. We analytically obtain all the spectra from two successive generations by applying the decimation method. Using the obtained spectra, we then derive closed-form expressions for their eigentime identity and number of spanning trees.
Skewed comultiplications in genetic coalgebras
Authors: Paniello Irene
Published: November 2022

We study genetic coalgebras whose comultiplications, equivalently, their associated cubic stochastic matrices, are skewed by the simultaneous action of three square stochastic matrices. A two-fold, algebraic and stochastic, approach is pursued. First, we detail the structural consequences on the algebraic structure, to then tackle the underlying stochastic processes.
Facile Synthesis of Cr2O3 Embedded g-C3N4 Composites with Excellent Visible-Light Photocatalytic
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Li Minjin , Yao Linwei , Ren Qianqian , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhai Chunxue , Liu Qiaoping
Published: November 2022

Metal-free graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has shown great potential in the environmental and energy fields. Herein, we illustrate the facile synthesis of Cr2O3-embedded g-C3N4 interlayer composites using an oil bath and thermal polymerization. The as-prepared 0.3-Cr2O3/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst exhibited many excellent properties, including significantly promoting charge transfer and separation by establishing interlayer paths, having a large specific surface area, and significantly improving the light absorption intensity. Therefore, the composites of Cr2O3 embedded in g-C3N4 exhibit visible-light photocatalysis. After 50[Formula: see text]min of visible light illumination, the degradation rate reached 99%, which was approximately 9.5 times that of pure g-C3N4. Repeatability test results show that the prepared 0.3-Cr2O3/g-C3N4 catalyst has prominent stability and repeatability. Then, we explain the mechanism of RhB degradation using the synthesized photocatalyst. This work provides a reference for the comprehensive development of g-C3N4 and offers broad prospects for photocatalytic applications of other layered materials.
Reliability Evaluation of Erasure-coded Storage Systems with Latent Errors
Authors: Iliadis Ilias
Published: November 2022

Large-scale storage systems employ erasure-coding redundancy schemes to protect against device failures. The adverse effect of latent sector errors on the Mean Time to Data Loss (MTTDL) and the Expected Annual Fraction of Data Loss (EAFDL) reliability metrics is evaluated. A theoretical model capturing the effect of latent errors and device failures is developed, and closed-form expressions for the metrics of interest are derived. The MTTDL and EAFDL of erasure-coded systems are obtained analytically for (i) the entire range of bit error rates; (ii) the symmetric, clustered, and declustered data placement schemes; and (iii) arbitrary device failure and rebuild time distributions under network rebuild bandwidth constraints. The range of error rates that deteriorate system reliability is derived analytically. For realistic values of sector error rates, the results obtained demonstrate that MTTDL degrades, whereas, for moderate erasure codes, EAFDL remains practically unaffected. It is demonstrated that, in the range of typical sector error rates and for very powerful erasure codes, EAFDL degrades as well. It is also shown that the declustered data placement scheme offers superior reliability.
Efficient Crash Consistency for NVMe over PCIe and RDMA
Authors: Liao Xiaojian , Lu Youyou , Yang Zhe , Shu Jiwu
Published: November 2022

This article presents crash-consistent Non-Volatile Memory Express (ccNVMe), a novel extension of the NVMe that defines how host software communicates with the non-volatile memory (e.g., solid-state drive) across a PCI Express bus and RDMA-capable networks with both crash consistency and performance efficiency. Existing storage systems pay a huge tax on crash consistency, and thus cannot fully exploit the multi-queue parallelism and low latency of the NVMe and RDMA interfaces. ccNVMe alleviates this major bottleneck by coupling the crash consistency to the data dissemination. This new idea allows the storage system to achieve crash consistency by taking the free rides of the data dissemination mechanism of NVMe, using only two lightweight memory-mapped I/Os (MMIOs), unlike traditional systems that use complex update protocol and synchronized block I/Os. ccNVMe introduces a series of techniques including transaction-aware MMIO/doorbell and I/O command coalescing to reduce the PCIe traffic as well as to provide atomicity. We present how to build a high-performance and crash-consistent file system named
MQFS
atop ccNVMe. We experimentally show that
MQFS
increases the IOPS of RocksDB by 36% and 28% compared to a state-of-the-art file system and Ext4 without journaling, respectively.
Revisiting the Security of Biometric Authentication Systems Against Statistical Attacks
Authors: Habib Sohail , Khan Hassan , Hamilton-Wright Andrew , Hengartner Urs
Published: November 2022

The uniqueness of behavioral biometrics (e.g., voice or keystroke patterns) has been challenged by recent works. Statistical attacks have been proposed that infer general population statistics and target behavioral biometrics against a particular victim. We show that despite their success, these approaches require several attempts for successful attacks against different biometrics due to the different nature of overlap in users’ behavior for these biometrics. Furthermore, no mechanism has been proposed to date that detects statistical attacks. In this work, we propose a new hypervolumes-based statistical attack and show that unlike existing methods, it (1) is successful against a variety of biometrics, (2) is successful against more users, and (3) requires fewest attempts for successful attacks. More specifically, across five diverse biometrics, for the first attempt, on average our attack is 18 percentage points more successful than the second best (37% vs. 19%). Similarly, for the fifth attack attempt, on average our attack is 18 percentage points more successful than the second best (67% vs. 49%). We propose and evaluate a mechanism that can detect the more devastating statistical attacks. False rejects in biometric systems are common, and by distinguishing statistical attacks from false rejects, our defense improves usability and security. The evaluation of the proposed detection mechanism shows its ability to detect on average 94% of the tested statistical attacks with an average probability of 3% to detect false rejects as a statistical attack. Given the serious threat posed by statistical attacks to biometrics that are used today (e.g., voice), our work highlights the need for defending against these attacks.
On the Capacity Region of Bipartite and Tripartite Entanglement Switching
Authors: Vardoyan Gayane , Nain Philippe , Guha Saikat , Towsley Don
Published: November 2022

We study a quantum entanglement distribution switch serving a set of users in a star topology with equal-length links. The quantum switch, much like a quantum repeater, can perform entanglement swapping to extend entanglement across longer distances. Additionally, the switch is equipped with entanglement switching logic, enabling it to implement switching policies to better serve the needs of the network. In this work, the function of the switch is to create bipartite or tripartite entangled states among users at the highest possible rates at a fixed ratio. Using Markov chains, we model a set of randomized switching policies. Discovering that some are better than others, we present analytical results for the case where the switch stores one qubit per user, and find that the best policies outperform a time division multiplexing policy for sharing the switch between bipartite and tripartite state generation. This performance improvement decreases as the number of users grows. The model is easily augmented to study the capacity region in the presence of quantum state decoherence and associated cut-off times for qubit storage, obtaining similar results. Moreover, decoherence-associated quantum storage cut-off times appear to have little effect on capacity in our identical-link system. We also study a smaller class of policies when the switch stores two qubits per user.
Blindspots in Python and Java APIs Result in Vulnerable Code
Authors: Brun Yuriy , Lin Tian , Somerville Jessie Elise , Myers Elisha M. , Ebner Natalie
Published: November 2022

Blindspots in APIs can cause software engineers to introduce vulnerabilities, but such blindspots are, unfortunately, common. We study the effect APIs with blindspots have on developers in two languages by replicating a 109-developer, 24-Java-API controlled experiment. Our replication applies to Python and involves 129 new developers and 22 new APIs. We find that using APIs with blindspots statistically significantly reduces the developers’ ability to correctly reason about the APIs in both languages, but that the effect is more pronounced for Python. Interestingly, for Java, the effect increased with complexity of the code relying on the API, whereas for Python, the opposite was true. This suggests that Python developers are less likely to notice potential for vulnerabilities in complex code than in simple code, whereas Java developers are more likely to recognize the extra complexity and apply more care, but are more careless with simple code. Whether the developers considered API uses to be more difficult, less clear, and less familiar did not have an effect on their ability to correctly reason about them. Developers with better long-term memory recall were more likely to correctly reason about APIs with blindspots, but short-term memory, processing speed, episodic memory, and memory span had no effect. Surprisingly, professional experience and expertise did not improve the developers’ ability to reason about APIs with blindspots across both languages, with long-term professionals with many years of experience making mistakes as often as relative novices. Finally, personality traits did not significantly affect the Python developers’ ability to reason about APIs with blindspots, but less extroverted and more open developers were better at reasoning about Java APIs with blindspots. Overall, our findings suggest that blindspots in APIs are a serious problem across languages, and that experience and education alone do not overcome that problem, suggesting that tools are needed to help developers recognize blindspots in APIs as they write code that uses those APIs.
Continuous Integration and Delivery Practices for Cyber-Physical Systems: An Interview-Based Study
Authors: Zampetti Fiorella , Tamburri Damian , Panichella Sebastiano , Panichella Annibale , Canfora Gerardo , Di Penta Massimiliano
Published: November 2022

Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD) practices have shown several benefits for software development and operations, such as faster release cycles and early discovery of defects. For Cyber-Physical System (CPS) development, CI/CD can help achieving required goals, such as high dependability, yet it may be challenging to apply. This article empirically investigates challenges, barriers, and their mitigation occurring when applying CI/CD practices to develop CPSs in 10 organizations working in eight different domains. The study has been conducted through semi-structured interviews, by applying an open card sorting procedure together with a member-checking survey within the same organizations, and by validating the results through a further survey involving 55 professional developers. The study reveals several peculiarities in the application of CI/CD to CPSs. These include the need for (i) combining continuous and periodic builds while balancing the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop and simulators, (ii) coping with difficulties in software deployment (iii) accounting for simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop differing in their behavior, and (vi) combining hardware/software expertise in the development team. Our findings open the road toward recommenders aimed at supporting the setting and evolution of CI/CD pipelines, as well as university curricula requiring interdisciplinarity, such as knowledge about hardware, software, and their interplay.
Understanding the Dynamic Interplay Between Actor and Context for Creativity: Progress and Desirable Directions
Authors: Zhou Jing , Hoever Inga J.
Published: November 2022

Individual and team creativity and innovation are essential for organizational effectiveness and success. The typology we developed in 2014 has stimulated much research in the past decade. We review this body of work and structure our article around the four quadrants described in our typology. We then revisit and update the eight research recommendations we proposed previously, identifying rich opportunities for developing theory and conceiving empirical studies. Finally, we highlight four desirable directions that help to chart the path for conducting frame-breaking research and accelerating theoretical breakthroughs.
Proprioception: A New Era Set in Motion by Emerging Genetic and Bionic Strategies?
Authors: Marasco Paul D. , de Nooij Joriene C.
Published: November 2022

The generation of an internal body model and its continuous update is essential in sensorimotor control. Although known to rely on proprioceptive sensory feedback, the underlying mechanism that transforms this sensory feedback into a dynamic body percept remains poorly understood. However, advances in the development of genetic tools for proprioceptive circuit elements, including the sensory receptors, are beginning to offer new and unprecedented leverage to dissect the central pathways responsible for proprioceptive encoding. Simultaneously, new data derived through emerging bionic neural machine–interface technologies reveal clues regarding the relative importance of kinesthetic sensory feedback and insights into the functional proprioceptive substrates that underlie natural motor behaviors.
Using Rapid Randomized Trials to Improve Health Care Systems
Authors: Horwitz Leora I. , Krelle Holly A.
Published: November 2022

Rapid randomized controlled trials have been surprisingly rare in health care quality improvement (QI) and systems interventions. Applying clinical trials methodology QI work brings two distinct fields together, applying the robustness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to the practical, operational learnings of the well-established QI field. Rapid trials also add a third element—speed—that enables health care systems to rapidly test multiple variations of an intervention in much the same way that A/B testing is done in the technology sector. When performed well, these rapid trials free researchers and health care systems from the requirement to be correct the first time (because it is low cost and quick to try something else) while offering a standard of evidence often absent in QI. Here we outline the historical underpinnings of this approach, provide guidance about how best to implement it, and describe lessons learned from running more than 20 randomized projects in the NYU Langone Health system.
Models for Integer Data
Authors: Karlis Dimitris , Mamode Khan Naushad
Published: November 2022

Over the past few years, interest has increased in models defined on positive and negative integers. Several application areas lead to data that are differences between positive integers. Some important examples are price changes measured discretely in financial applications, pre- and posttreatment measurements of discrete outcomes in clinical trials, the difference in the number of goals in sports events, and differencing of count-valued time series. This review aims at bringing together a wide range of models that have appeared in the literature in recent decades. We provide an extensive review on discrete distributions defined for integer data and then consider univariate and multivariate time-series models, including the class of autoregressive models, stochastic processes, and ARCH-GARCH– (autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic–generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic–) type models.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Narrow Corridor Walk Test (NCWT) on Advanced Walking Balance in People with Stroke
Authors: Ren Longjun , Liu Tai Wa , Ng Shamay S. M.
Published: November 2022

Objectives. To investigate (i) the interrater and test‐retest reliabilities of completion time and number of steps in the Narrow Corridor Walking Test (NCWT); (ii) the minimal detectable changes (MDCs) in NCWT results; (iii) the correlations between NCWT results and stroke‐specific outcome measures; and (iv) the optimal cut‐off values of NCWT results for discriminating the difference in advanced balance ability between people with stroke and healthy older adults. Design. Cross‐sectional. Subjects. Thirty people with stroke and 30 healthy older adults. Methods. People with stroke completed the NCWT on two separate days with a 7‐ to 10‐day interval. The Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (FMA), ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Chinese version of the Community Integration Measure (CIM) were used to assess. The healthy older adults completed the NCWT once. Results. The NCWT completion time and NCWT steps showed excellent interrater reliability and test‐retest reliability and significant correlations with FMA, affected ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength, BBS score, and TUG completion time. A cut‐off value of 7.40 s for NCWT completion time and 13.33 for the NCWT steps distinguished people with stroke from healthy older adults. The MDCs of the NCWT completion time and NCWT steps were 6.87 s and 5.50, respectively. Conclusion. The NCWT is a reliable clinical measurement tool for the assessment of advanced balance ability in people with stroke.
Coupled Analysis of Thermofluid-Structure Field for Thermal Properties of Early-Age Concrete Influenced by Electric Heating System
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhao Yue , Han Jianyong , Cheng Cheng , Zhang Chaozhe
Published: November 2022

When heat energy is transferred to concrete through energy conversion by an electric heating system, the overall thermal performance of the early-age concrete is affected by the local high temperature of the concrete. This, in turn, affects the accuracy of the prediction and calculation of concrete deformation. Concrete thermal physical parameter models considering the mutual influence of heat and humidity were established to clarify the influence of an electric heat tracing system on the heat transfer performance of concrete at an early age, based on the concepts of equivalent age and hydration degree. Additionally, the COMSOL numerical simulation software was used for realizing the numerical solution of concrete heat transfer. The research indicates that the degree of hydration is affected by the heating provided by the electric heat tracing system. When curing for 40 h, the degree of hydration approaches 0.82 and remains unchanged, which indicates that the hydration of cement was almost complete in less than 2 days. The specific heat value of concrete in the early stage was significantly affected by electric heat tracing. This value of concrete at a high initial temperature was larger than that at a low temperature, while the specific heat of each point in the later stage tended to be the same. The thermal conductivity was significantly affected by the local electrical heating. The higher the temperature was, the lower the thermal conductivity was, which remained stable for two days under the influence of temperature. The key contribution of this research is to provide a coupling model for concrete curing. The findings from the study also provide industry practitioners with a comprehensive guide regarding the specific applications of the electric heating system in early-age concrete curing.