bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species-specific self-DNA detection mechanisms by mammalian cyclic GMP-AMP synthases
Authors: Mosallanejad Kenta , Kennedy Stephanie N. , Bahleda Kristin M. , Slavik Kailey M. , Zhou Wen , Govande Apurva A. , Hancks Dustin C. , Kranzusch Philip J. , Kagan Jonathan C.
Published: January 2023

The mechanisms by which innate immune receptors mediate self-nonself discrimination are unclear. In this study, we found species-specific molecular determinants of self-DNA reactivity by cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (GMP–AMP) synthase (cGAS). Human cGAS contained a catalytic domain that was intrinsically self-DNA reactive and stimulated interferon responses in diverse cell types. This reactivity was prevented by an upstream amino (N)-terminal domain. The cGAS proteins from several nonhuman primate species exhibited a similar pattern of self-DNA reactivity in cells, but chimpanzee cGAS was inactive even when its amino-terminal domain was deleted. In contrast, the N terminus of mouse cGAS promoted self-DNA reactivity. When expressed within tumors, only self-DNA–reactive cGAS proteins protected mice from tumor-induced lethality. In vitro studies of DNA- or chromatin-induced cGAS activation did not reveal species-specific activities that correlate with self-DNA reactivity observed in macrophages. Cell biological analysis revealed that self-DNA reactivity by human cGAS, but not mouse cGAS, correlated with localization to mitochondria. We found that epitope tag positions affected self-DNA reactivity in cells and that DNA present in cell lysates undermines the reliability of cGAS biochemical fractionations. These studies reveal species-specific diversity of cGAS functions, even within the primate lineage, and highlight experimental considerations for the study of this innate immune receptor.
Supplemental Material: Crustal conductivity footprint of the orogenic gold district in the Red Lake greenstone belt, western Superior craton, Canada
Authors: Adetunji Ademola Q. , al. et
Published: January 2023

Details of MT imaging and resolution tests and supplemental figures. 
Evaluation of diabetic retinopathy severity on ultrawide field colour images compared with ultrawide fluorescein angiograms
Authors: Ashraf Mohamed , AbdelAl Omar , Shokrollahi Siamak , Pitoc Cloyd M , Aiello Lloyd Paul , Silva Paolo S
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To compare Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity on ultrawide field (UWF) colour imaging (CI) and UWF fluorescein angiography (FA).

Design

Cross-sectional retrospective review.

Subjects

Patients with diabetes mellitus and at least mild non-proliferative DR on UWF-CI.

Methods

UWF-CI and UWF-FA images acquired within 1 month of each other were evaluated independently using ETDRS DR Severity Scale (DRSS) for colour photography adapted for UWF-CI and UWF-FA. Extent of non-perfusion (NP, mm2) was determined from UWF-FA images.

Main outcome measures

Agreement rate between DRSS on UWF-CI and UWF-FA.

Results

Images from 218 eyes of 137 patients with diabetes were evaluated. Agreement rate for DRSS between UWF-CI and UWF-FA was moderate to substantial (K=0.46, Kw=0.65). Over-all, DRSS was worse in 73 (33.5%) eyes on UWF-FA and in 16 (7.3%) on UWF-CI. Compared to UWF-CI, UWF-FA identified more severe DRSS in 26.5% (1 step) and 7.34% (≥2 steps) of eyes. DRSS was worse than UWF-FA in 56 (51.4%) in early DR (ETDRS levels 20–47, N=109) and 17 (15.6%) in eyes with severe DR (53 and higher, N=109). In this cohort, the extent of NP significantly increased as eyes approach moderate non-proliferative DR (levels 43–47, p=0.0065).

Conclusion

When evaluating UWF-FA images using the ETDRS colour severity scale, DRSS is graded as more severe in a substantial number of eyes than when evaluating UWF-CI. It is uncertain how the DRSS levels using UWF-FA translate to clinical outcomes, but the additional lesions detected might provide added prognostic value. These and other recent data emphasise the need of obtaining outcome data based on UWF-FA and the potential need to develop DRSS specifically tailored for UWF-FA images.
Unilateral tests of lower-limb function as prognostic indicators of future knee-related outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 150 adolescents and adults
Authors: West Thomas J , Bruder Andrea M , Crossley Kay M , Culvenor Adam G
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the prognostic capacity of individual hop tests, hop test batteries and other unilateral functional performance tests following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

Six databases searched up to June 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Studies reporting associations between unilateral lower-limb function (eg, hop tests) following ACL injury and future (≥3 months) knee-related outcomes.

Results

Of 42 included studies (13 150 participants), all assessed the single-forward hop test and 32 assessed a repeated-forward hop test (crossover hop, triple hop, 6m-timed hop), mostly within a year after ACL injury/reconstruction. Results of meta-analyses indicated that higher single-forward and repeated-forward hop limb symmetry were associated with higher odds of return-to-sport 1–3 years post-ACL reconstruction (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.30 to 3.54; OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.23 to 3.60, respectively). Higher single-forward and repeated-forward hop limb symmetry was associated with better self-reported symptoms and function 1–37 years after ACL injury (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.62 to 3.88; OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.65 to 11.08, respectively). Higher limb symmetry on a repeated-forward hop does not appear to be associated with higher odds of successful rehabilitation without ACL reconstruction (OR 1.51; 95% CI 0.94 to 2.44). Achieving ≥90% limb symmetry on the single-forward hop was associated with reduced odds of knee osteoarthritis 5–37 years after ACL injury (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.94).

Conclusion

Very low certainty evidence suggests single-forward and repeated-forward hop tests are prognostic indicators for important knee-related outcomes in individuals after ACL injury and may help stratify individuals at risk of poor outcomes to target rehabilitation interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018092197.
Properties and Algorithm of Lattice Pseudo-Submodular Functions
Authors: Zhang Hongxiang , Hao Chunlin , Cao Yu , Li Gaidi
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a concept of a lattice pseudo-submodular (LPS) function and consider maximizing a monotone continuous real LPS function [Formula: see text] under a convex polytope constraint. The concept of LPS function was proposed to describe the properties of some discrete functions or nonconvex continuous functions. It is a generalization of the lattice submodular function. For the real LPS maximization problem, we design the monotone Pseudo Frank-Wolfe (PFW) algorithm by taking advantage of the second derivative bound. The PFW algorithm iterates by constantly optimize linear gradient function [Formula: see text], and finally outputs the solution. We theoretically prove that PFK algorithm has an approximation ratio of [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text]), and it needs at least [Formula: see text] rounds (where [Formula: see text] is a parameter given in advance). The PFW algorithm is also useful for multilinear extension of discrete lattice pseudo-submodular maximization problems.
EEG Interchannel Causality to Identify Source/Sink Phase Connectivity Patterns in Developmental Dyslexia
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez I. , Ortiz A. , Gallego-Molina N. J. , Formoso M. A. , Woo W. L.
Published: January 2023

While the brain connectivity network can inform the understanding and diagnosis of developmental dyslexia, its cause–effect relationships have not yet enough been examined. Employing electroencephalography signals and band-limited white noise stimulus at 4.8 Hz (prosodic-syllabic frequency), we measure the phase Granger causalities among channels to identify differences between dyslexic learners and controls, thereby proposing a method to calculate directional connectivity. As causal relationships run in both directions, we explore three scenarios, namely channels’ activity as sources, as sinks, and in total. Our proposed method can be used for both classification and exploratory analysis. In all scenarios, we find confirmation of the established right-lateralized Theta sampling network anomaly, in line with the assumption of the temporal sampling framework of oscillatory differences in the Theta and Gamma bands. Further, we show that this anomaly primarily occurs in the causal relationships of channels acting as sinks, where it is significantly more pronounced than when only total activity is observed. In the sink scenario, our classifier obtains 0.84 and 0.88 accuracy and 0.87 and 0.93 AUC for the Theta and Gamma bands, respectively.
Baicalin Reduces Immune Cell Infiltration by Inhibiting Inflammation and Protecting Tight Junctions in Ischemic Stroke Injury
Authors: Hao Zhiyuan , Zhang Zheyu , Zhao Yuhang , Wang Dongsheng
Published: January 2023

Ischemic stroke is a serious health hazard that lacks effective treatment strategies. This study aims to investigate baicalin’s effect on tight junctions and immune cell infiltration after ischemic stroke injury. Rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were treated with OGD/R to establish an in vitro model. Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-5, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text], interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) expressions were detected using qRT-PCR and western blotting. ZO-1, TNF-[Formula: see text], iNOS, IL6, CD31, and ZO-1 expressions were examined using immunofluorescence. A tube formation assay was performed to measure angiogenesis. An ischemia-reperfusion model in rats was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The infarct volume was observed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. TNF-[Formula: see text], iNOS, and IL6 levels in the serum were tested using ELISA. Flow cytometry was performed to examine immune cell inflammatory infiltration. Baicalin had no significant effect on the proliferation of normal BMECs. Baicalin inhibited apoptosis, protected against tight junction injury, and alleviated the inflammatory response in OGD/R-induced BMECs and IR rats, with the highest dose (25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) exerting a superior effect. Baicalin decreased the neurological function score, infarct volume, and brain water content, relieved brain morphological changes, and inhibited immune cell infiltration in vivo. In conclusion, baicalin could reduce BMECs apoptosis, protect tight junctions, and resist immune cell infiltration, thereby alleviating ischemic stroke. Our findings potentially provide a novel treatment strategy for ischemic stroke.
R(K(∗)) with vector unparticles
Authors: Lee Jong-Phil
Published: January 2023

We analyze the unparticle effects on the lepton flavor universality violating ratios in [Formula: see text] transition, [Formula: see text]. We concentrate on the vector unparticles which contribute to the relevant Wilson coefficients [Formula: see text]. New effects appear in the form of some powers of the momentum transfer squared, which is a different feature from other new physics (NP) models like leptoquarks or [Formula: see text]. Constraints from [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] mixing, [Formula: see text], and the electron/muon anomalous magnetic moments are considered. It is found that the vector unparticles successfully explain [Formula: see text] with moderate values of model parameters.
Fractal analysis and ferroelectric properties of Nd(Zn1 2Ti1 2)O3(NZT)
Authors: Khamoushi Kouros , Serpa Cristina
Published: January 2023

The challenges in productivity of satellite mobile devices are growing rapidly to overcome the question of miniaturization. The intention is to supply the electrical and microwave properties of materials by discovering their outstanding electronic properties. Neodymium Zinc Titanate (NZT) can be a promising ferroelectric material due to its stable dielectric and microwave properties. The grain size and shape of NZT have a strong influence on overall material performances. Therefore, shape, reconstruction and property of the coming compound take an important part and can be predicted before being utilized in the devices. The significant of this research is to define ferroelectric properties of NZT and to characterize it by using Fractal Nature Analysis (FNA). FNA is a powerful mathematical technique that could be applied to improve the grain shape and interface reconstruction. The fractal structure is identified by its self-similarity. The self-similarity of an object means a repetition of shapes in smaller scales. A measure of this structure is computed using the Hausdorff dimension. It is for the first time in this investigation the Fractal analysis method is applied for the microwave materials microstructure reconstruction which makes this research an innovative work and will open the door for Curie–Weiss law fractal correction. In connection to our previous research for dielectric properties fractalization, we had some characterization and reconstruction data which include the Hausdorff dimension (HD).
Swapping of optical vorticity in a three-level coherent media
Authors: Kadhim Zainab Jawad , Abbass Rathab , Alkaaby Hussein Humedy Chlib , Izzat Samar Emad , Shams Marwah A. , Adhab Ayat Hussein , Kadhim Athmar Ali
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we have spoken about how the superposition of two upper states and the quantum interference effect affect exchange efficiency in a V-type atomic system. We have demonstrated that the same orbital angular momentum can generate an additional signal field in response to a single optical vortex light acting on one transition of the V-type quantum system. We have also discussed about how the exchange efficiency of optical vorticity is affected by the quantum interference term, the probe’s detuning, and the superposition of the higher states. Our model is ideal for quantum information processing based on the orbital angular momentum of light due to the enhancement in exchange efficiency.
Ensemble inequivalence in a generalized XY model
Authors: Yu Shao-Bo , Xu Ren , Hou Ji-Xuan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a new generalized XY model with nearest-neighbor interaction which cannot be studied analytically. By adopting both the canonical Monte Carlo simulations and the microcanonical Monte Carlo simulations, the first-order phase transitions in both canonical ensemble and microcanonical ensemble are observed numerically, and the accurate phase-transition temperatures of the model with different parameters are given. From the distinct phase diagrams in two different ensembles, we conclude that the model we propose here exists as an ensemble equivalence.
Information and Disseminator Features Influences Online Negative Information Recognition and Dissemination
Authors: Meng Fei , Chen Liqin , Herring Paola , Wei Jianliang
Published: January 2023

Negative information on the Internet is a sticky problem for pattern recognition, especially that factors which influence its dissemination pattern remain uncertain. Combined with the elaboration likelihood model, this paper analyzes the factors that affect the negative information dissemination and its correlation mechanism, subdivides the influencing factors into negative information and disseminator features, introduces the interest degree as the mediator variable, and defines the identity of the receiver as the moderator variable. Through the questionnaire survey and data analysis by SPSS, we found that interest degree has a significant impact on the negative information dissemination intention, with the path coefficient of 0.74. The emotionality of negative information, as well as the activity and credibility of the disseminator have a significant impact on the degree of interest, while the completeness and harmfulness of negative information have a negative effect on user interest. Based on this, we put forward two management enlightenments for a better cybersecurity environment. First, take more computing methods to find out the emotionality, exhaustivity and damageability of negative information; second, use forms of artificial intelligence to respond to negative information in a timely manner and enhance the credibility of antagonistic information.
WFLTree: A Spanning Tree Construction for Federated Learning in Wireless Networks
Authors: Li Shuo , Zheng Yanwei , Zou Yifei
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, more and more federated learning algorithms have been implemented in edge computing, to provide various customized services for mobile users, which has strongly supported the rapid development of edge intelligence. However, most of them are designed relying on the reliable device-to-device communications, which is not a realistic assumption in the wireless environment. This paper considers a realistic aggregation problem for federated learning in a single-hop wireless network, in which the parameters of machine learning models are aggregated from the learning agents to a parameter server via a wireless channel with physical interference constraint. Assuming that all the learning agents and the parameter server are within a distance [Formula: see text] from each other, we show that it is possible to construct a spanning tree to connect all the learning agents to the parameter server for federated learning within [Formula: see text] time steps. After the spanning tree is constructed, it only takes [Formula: see text] time steps to aggregate all the training parameters from the learning agents to the parameter server. Thus, the server can update its machine learning model once according to the aggregated results. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations are conducted to show the performance of our algorithm.
PROGRESS IN PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF Ni-Ti ALLOYS AS SURFACE STRENGTHENING MATERIALS: PROCESS SELECTION AND PERFORMANCE ESTIMATION
Authors: MA YONG , SHEN JIAJIE , WEI YONGNING , GAO JIE , ZHENG KE , ZHOU BIN , WU YANXIA , YU SHENGWANG
Published: January 2023

Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) is an intermetallic alloy that has exhibited a unique ability to recover its original shape after deformation, and this ability is well known as the so-called shape memory effect. On the other hand, with the special behavior of pseudoelastic/superelasticity, Ni-Ti shape memory alloys (SMAs) also draw widespread attention in a wide range of engineering fields. Ni-Ti SMAs used to be considered as some kind of smart materials due to the shape memory effect and pseudoelastic/superelasticity performance. However, Ni-Ti SMAs have attracted increasing interest in tribological applications over the past two decades owing to their excellent wear resistance, which is mainly ascribed to their pseudoelasticity. On account of this point, Ni-Ti alloys have also been chosen as surface strengthening materials to improve the wear performance of various substrates using different surface technologies. From the view of process selection and performance estimation, this review suggests the research progress of preparation and application of Ni-Ti alloys as strengthening material.
MACHINABILITY STUDIES OF WROUGHT TITANIUM ALLOY Ti-6Al-4V BASED ON ORTHOGONAL ARRAY DESIGN
Authors: RAJAN K. M. , KUMAR SAHOO ASHOK , ROUTARA BHARAT CHANDRA , PANDA AMLANA , KUMAR RAMANUJ
Published: January 2023

This research focuses on wrought Ti-6Al-4V machining using coated carbide inserts under flood cooling to study the machinability characteristics. Machining parameters are optimized, and mathematical models are developed for correlations. Surface roughness lies between 0.215[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 0.830[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and even below 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m during machining. Flank wear lies within 0.033–0.16[Formula: see text]mm which is below the 0.2[Formula: see text]mm criteria of wear. Cutting temperature lies between 31∘C and 158∘C. The reduction of cutting temperature and chip serration under flood cooling and the subsequent transfer of heat from the shear zones help to generate good surface finish and may be due to the evolution of a lower wear rate. Abrasion, chipping, adhesion and built-up-edge are seen as major mechanisms of wear. The optimal conditions are found to be a depth of cut of 0.1[Formula: see text]mm, 0.1[Formula: see text]mm/rev feed rate and 70[Formula: see text]m/min cutting speed. There is an improvement in results at optimal conditions of 38.42% for Ra, 60.86% for VBc and 27% for [Formula: see text], respectively, than initial parametric conditions. Further, grey relational grade has been improved by 0.263. Machinability models developed through quadratic regression are observed to be significant.
Dynamic Analysis of the High Speed Train–Track Spatial Nonlinear Coupling System Under Track Irregularity Excitation
Authors: Lei Xiaoyan , Wang Hai
Published: January 2023

Track irregularity is the main factor that affects the safety and comfort of high-speed railway. It is important to study the influence of the track irregularity on the safety service of high speed train–track coupling system. In this paper, a vehicle–track spatial nonlinear coupled system dynamics model is developed with FEM. The model includes vehicle subsystem and track subsystem, which are coupled by wheel–rail interface. The vehicle subsystem is a 31-DOF spatial vehicle model, and the track subsystem is a three-dimensional slab track model composed of the rail, rail pad and track slab. Considering wheel tread profile and rail head profile, the wheel–rail spatial contact geometry relationship is established, and the “Trace method” and the “Minimum distance method” are used to search for wheel–rail contact points. Considering the nonlinear contact between the wheel and the rail, a numerical approach is presented, where the “Trace method” is embedded into the algorithm for solving the vehicle–track nonlinear coupling dynamics equation by cross iteration, realizing searching the wheel–rail contact points and solving the vehicle–track nonlinear coupling equation simultaneously, which greatly improves the efficiency of numerical analysis. As application examples, the dynamic responses of a high speed train–track spatial nonlinear coupled system excited by the track V-shaped local profile irregularity and the track torsional irregularity are analyzed. The results show that the algorithm is effective in solving the vehicle–track spatial nonlinear coupled system dynamics problem, and the track irregularity has significant influence on the dynamic response of vehicle and track structure.
The character co-degree sets and solvability
Authors: Bahramian Roya , Ahanjideh Neda , Naghipour Ali Reza
Published: January 2023

For a character [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text], the number [Formula: see text] is called the co-degree of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we concentrate on some conditions on the character co-degree sets implying solvability. More precisely, we show that if for every non-principal irreducible characters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], the greatest common divisor of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is divisible by at most two primes (counting multiplicities), then either [Formula: see text] is solvable or [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to one of the groups [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or an extension of an elementary abelian [Formula: see text]-group [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. In the last case, the set of the co-degrees of the irreducible characters of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text].
Statefinder diagnosis for Barrow agegraphic dark energy
Authors: Kumar Ajitesh , Srivastava Vandna , Dubey Vipin Chandra , Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: January 2023

Here, by employing a Barrow entropy and the standard holographic method at a cosmic framework, we formulate Barrow agegraphic dark energy (BADE), taking the Universe age as an IR cutoff scale in a flat FLRW Universe. For evaluation of statefinder parameters in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] planes, trajectories have been plotted for BADE and discovered that for various values of [Formula: see text], the model exhibits both the behavior of Chaplygin gas and quintessence. Moreover, as a supplement to the statefinder study, we looked at the BADE model without interaction in the plane [Formula: see text], which might offer us a dynamic study using the energy density BADE parameter [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], as per VI-[Formula: see text]CDM observational data without interaction from Planck 2018 results.
Supramolecular and base-induced singlet oxygen generation enhancement of a water-soluble phthalocyanine
Authors: Smith Shaun M. , Abelha Thais F. , Limón David , Samperi Mario , Sharma Bunty , Plaetzer Kristjan , Dumoulin Fabienne , Amabilino David B. , Pérez-García Lluïsa
Published: January 2023

Investigation into the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating abilities of photosensitizers outside of in-vitro/vivo conditions is a crucial element in the wider study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in clinical settings. Zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (ZnPcTS) is a water-soluble photosensitizer that can generate ROS as singlet oxygen (SO) under irradiation in the red and far-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The incorporation of ZnPcTS into nano-fibers of a bis-imidazolium hydrogel was demonstrated and the material was characterized with photophysical, rheological, and microscopy techniques. This supramolecular material containing ZnPcTS (named ZnPcTS_nEqBase@Gels) was found to significantly enhance the SO generation rate with respect to that of ZnPcTS in an aqueous solution. The effect is attributed mainly to reduced aggregation within the gel microenvironment compared with a solution. Furthermore, the preparation of ZnPcTS_nEqBase@Gels was carried out in the presence of varying amounts (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 eq.) of NaOH to improve the dissolution of ZnPcTSby ensuring full deprotonation of the sulfonate. The gel material containing 4 equivalents of NaOH per phthalocyanine was found to have a significantly greater SO-generating ability than the corresponding material containing no base. This phenomenon was shown to be partially a consequence of reduced aggregation as observed in the spectroscopic characterization. The enhancement in SO generation induced by this type of hybrid material makes it an attractive candidate to be used in different applications when efficient SO production is required.
Synthesis of peripherally substituted aza-analogues of Si(IV) phthalocyanines by complexation method
Authors: Kolarova Michaela , Zimcik Petr , Ivanova Svetlana , Miletin Miroslav , Novakova Veronika
Published: January 2023

Despite many notes about advantageous properties of Si(IV) phthalocyanines, their aza-analogues from the group of tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines (TPyzPzs) are only rarely reported in the literature, especially for macrocycles carrying peripheral groups. Thus, a series of Si(IV) TPyzPzs having alkylamino, aryloxy, alkylsulfanyl or alkyl group at the periphery was prepared by complexation of Si(IV) into corresponding metal-free derivatives by their stirring at 30[Formula: see text] C with trichlorosilane, using tributylamine as a base, and dichloromethane as a solvent. Key factors affecting the feasibility of this method, such as well-chosen excess of trichlorosilane and solvent used, were described. The model compound of the series ([Formula: see text], aryloxy substituted dihydroxy Si(IV) TPyzPz) was then modified at axial positions using trihexylchlorosilane as a ligand. All target Si(IV) TPyzPzs showed strong absorption with Q-band maxima ranging 617–655 nm (extinction coefficients 82 000–341 000 L⋅mol[Formula: see text]⋅cm[Formula: see text] and efficient fluorescence emission with [Formula: see text] values ranging 0.32–0.44 with the exception of alkylamino substituted TPyzPz, whose excited states were efficiently quenched by intramolecular charge transfer. The possibility of axial modification, good spectral and fluorescence properties as well as the ability to quench the excited states upon introduction of alkylamine groups indicate the suitability of these derivatives for fluorescence sensing applications.
Postmaterialism and Corporate Tax Avoidance
Authors: Cui Yujia , Wang Jiwei , Ye Kangtao
Published: January 2023

Synopsis

The research problem

This paper explores the association between postmaterialistic culture and corporate tax-avoidance behavior.

Motivation

Although corporate tax avoidance is prevalent, the degree of tax avoidance varies across countries. Previous studies have suggested that national culture is associated with the level of tax avoidance (e.g., corruption culture in [DeBacker, J., Heim, B. T., & Tran, A. (2015). Importing corruption culture from overseas: Evidence from corporate tax evasion in the United States. Journal of Financial Economics, 117(1), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2012.11.009 ], and societal trust in [Kanagaretnam, K., Lee, J., Lim, C. Y., & Lobo, G. J. (2018). Societal trust and corporate tax avoidance. Review of Accounting Studies, 23(4), 1588–1628. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11142-018-9466-y ], among others). Unlike prior studies focusing on longstanding cultural factors, this paper examined the association between corporate tax avoidance and an important current culture trend, i.e., postmaterialistic culture.

The test hypotheses

There is no association between postmaterialistic culture and corporate tax avoidance.

Target population

Various stakeholders that care about corporate tax avoidance including the government, policymakers, investors, auditors, and firm managers.

Adopted methodology

Linear Probability Model and Ordinary Least Squares regressions.

Analyses

We examined the association between postmaterialistic culture and corporate tax-avoidance behavior. We used a proprietary dataset of China tax audits spanning the 2011–2014 period and tested the moderating effect of tax enforcement. We also examined the external validity of our results using a cross-country sample from 21 countries over the 1993–2014 period.

Findings

Using a proprietary dataset of China tax audits, we found that firms owned by investors from countries with higher postmaterialism values were less likely to engage in tax-avoidance behavior in China. In addition, we found some evidence that the negative association between postmaterialism and tax avoidance is more pronounced when tax enforcement is stronger, indicating that national culture and formal institutions act as complements. To check the external validity of our main results, we further used a cross-country sample from 21 countries over 22 years. The evidence from the cross-country sample was consistent with the findings obtained from the China tax audits setting.
Connectedness of Soft r-Topological Spaces
Authors: Abdulkareem Harzheen D. , Mohammed Ramadhan A. , Ameen Zanyar A.
Published: January 2023

Topological properties are essential for developing digital line spaces and computer graphics other than the field of topology. Soft topological properties must play an equal role as classical topological properties or even better. Soft connectedness is one of the most fundamental soft topological aspects. It studies the nearness of two objects from a topological point of view. By considering the significance of this concept, we make this contribution to study the connectedness of some strong soft topologies. We begin by introducing a new class of soft open sets, named soft [Formula: see text]-open sets, followed by establishing its main properties. We show that the collection of all soft [Formula: see text]-open sets constitutes a soft topology, which is coarser than the original one. Then, we define the concept of soft [Formula: see text]-separated sets, which helps us to give the [Formula: see text]-connectedness of a soft set. We show that soft connectedness implies soft [Formula: see text]-connectedness, which implies soft [Formula: see text]-connectedness of a soft set. Counterexamples are provided to show that the implications are not reversible. However, they are identical on a soft open set. Further properties and characterizations of soft [Formula: see text]-connected sets are proposed.
Efficient Detection of Biomarker of Radiation-Resistant Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Anchor Nucleic Acid Structure and DNase I Amplification
Authors: Lu Zhiheng , Wu Yiyang , Wang Qingxiao , Li Sen , Cai Yanfei , Yang Zhaoqi
Published: January 2023

Radiotherapy is a simple and effective method for the treatment of rhinitis cancer, but some patients are resistant to radiotherapy and affect the curative effect. Previous studies have confirmed that miR-205 can be used as a biomarker for the feasibility of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, a biosensor for the detection of miR-205 was constructed by using graphene oxide (GO) and fluorescent DNA probes, and using DNase I to generate fluorescent signals for cyclic amplification. The results showed that the lowest detection limit of this sensor for detecting miR-205 was 475 pM, which was 4.86 times lower or 4.86 times better than that of conventional methods without amplification, and showed better detection specificity. It is expected to provide a convenient and effective tool for studying the radio resistance mechanism of NPC and for personalized therapy for NPC patients.
Energy storage systems with distributed generation in power network reconfiguration using improved artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Dhivya S. , Arul R.
Published: January 2023

Recently, the Distributed Generation (DG) structure has become an important aspect of daily planning and has achieved a variety of functions while maximizing the functionality of utilities. It should balance the energy equilibrium of the system components and the production limit. Uncertainties arise during the operation of the DG, represented by generator power, load requirements and fluctuations in electricity prices. The reactive power problem is the major concern associated with the DG system. This paper analyzes both DG and an energy storage system along with their optimal performance using a specific algorithm. For optimal analysis of DG and ESS, an Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (IABC) is proposed. The IABC evaluates the performance of distribution network. It takes DG and ESS into account for analyzing optimal design problems, the main goal of which is to minimize their reactive power dispersion functions. In addition, there are barriers to reducing the DG’s operating costs. The proposed method is implemented on the MATLAB platform and tested using the IEEE 33-bus system. To confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, it will be compared with the existing methods such as artificial bee colony (ABC) and levy-based method, respectively.
A comparative study on rigid and flexible magnetoelectric composites: Review
Authors: Khade Vaishnavi , Wuppulluri Madhuri
Published: January 2023

This review reports the latest trends in the ceramic composite matrix used for the magnetoelectric (ME) effect. In the last few years, ME composite has become the center of attraction for use in various electrically and magnetically coupled devices. The growth and use of electronic components everywhere have propulsively accelerated the exploration of self-powered electronic and sensor network devices. ME is a feasible technique for addressing difficulties of traditional batteries such as short life span and frequent recharge difficulties. Self-charging multiferroic components have been found for the constant working of mobile electronics that use multiferroic composites in response to magnetoelectric energy transformation. Researchers have rigorously studied the rigid and flexible magnetoelectric composites for their suitability in applications. This paper gives a comparative study between rigid and flexible magnetoelectric composites based on their properties and provides knowledge about the materials for such types of composites. It reviews the latest polymer-based ME materials as well as the related fabrication and polarization methods. The review finally encapsulates the applications in biomedicine, ranging from mechanical energy harvesters to sensors and actuators.
Pandemic Diseases and Re-Examination of the Concept of National Security
Authors: Nakić Mladen , Matijević Sanja
Published: January 2023

Pandemics are not a new phenomenon in human history or international relations. Over the centuries, pandemics have affected the course of human history by changing people’s perceptions and approach regarding national security and international stability. Pandemics have also affected mobility and behavior among different communities of the world. In today’s world of proliferating nontraditional challenges, pandemics are the newest addition to a growing list of national security threats and government priorities. The coronavirus pandemic is prompting national governments around the world to re-examine and update their national security concept and devise new, more effective measures to manage and mitigate the impacts of public health crises.
The Arrival of Zero Trust
Authors: Loftus Michael , Vezina Andrew , Doten Rick , Mashatan Atefeh
Published: January 2023

A discussion with Michael Loftus, Andrew Vezina, Rick Doten, and Atefeh Mashatan.
What is Data Science?
Authors: Mike Koby , Hazzan Orit
Published: January 2023

The
Communications
website, https://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Koby Mike and Orit Hazzan consider why multiple definitions are needed to pin down data science.
Proving Data-Poisoning Robustness in Decision Trees
Authors: Drews Samuel , Albarghouthi Aws , D'Antoni Loris
Published: January 2023

Machine learning models are brittle, and small changes in the training data can result in different predictions. We study the problem of proving that a prediction is robust to
data poisoning
, where an attacker can inject a number of malicious elements into the training set to influence the learned model. We target decision tree models, a popular and simple class of machine learning models that underlies many complex learning techniques. We present a sound verification technique based on
abstract interpretation
and implement it in a tool called Antidote. Antidote abstractly trains decision trees for an intractably large space of possible poisoned datasets. Due to the soundness of our abstraction, Antidote can produce proofs that, for a given input, the corresponding prediction would not have changed had the training set been tampered with or not. We demonstrate the effectiveness of Antidote on a number of popular datasets.
Efficient Deep Learning: A Survey on Making Deep Learning Models Smaller, Faster, and Better
Authors: Menghani Gaurav
Published: January 2023

Deep learning has revolutionized the fields of computer vision, natural language understanding, speech recognition, information retrieval, and more. However, with the progressive improvements in deep learning models, their number of parameters, latency, and resources required to train, among others, have all increased significantly. Consequently, it has become important to pay attention to these footprint metrics of a model as well, not just its quality. We present and motivate the problem of efficiency in deep learning, followed by a thorough survey of the five core areas of model efficiency (spanning modeling techniques, infrastructure, and hardware) and the seminal work there. We also present an experiment-based guide along with code for practitioners to optimize their model training and deployment. We believe this is the first comprehensive survey in the efficient deep learning space that covers the landscape of model efficiency from modeling techniques to hardware support. It is our hope that this survey would provide readers with the mental model and the necessary understanding of the field to apply generic efficiency techniques to immediately get significant improvements, and also equip them with ideas for further research and experimentation to achieve additional gains.
Dissecting American Fuzzy Lop: A FuzzBench Evaluation
Authors: Fioraldi Andrea , Mantovani Alessandro , Maier Dominik , Balzarotti Davide
Published: January 2023

AFL is one of the most used and extended fuzzers, adopted by industry and academic researchers alike. Although the community agrees on AFL’s effectiveness at discovering new vulnerabilities and its outstanding usability, many of its internal design choices remain untested to date. Security practitioners often clone the project “as-is” and use it as a starting point to develop new techniques, usually taking everything under the hood for granted. Instead, we believe that a careful analysis of the different parameters could help modern fuzzers improve their performance and explain how each choice can affect the outcome of security testing, either negatively or positively.

The goal of this work is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the internal mechanisms of AFL by performing experiments and by comparing different metrics used to evaluate fuzzers. This can help to show the effectiveness of some techniques and to clarify which aspects are instead outdated. To perform our study, we performed nine unique experiments that we carried out on the popular Fuzzbench platform. Each test focuses on a different aspect of AFL, ranging from its mutation approach to the feedback encoding scheme and its scheduling methodologies.

Our findings show that each design choice affects different factors of AFL. Some of these are positively correlated with the number of detected bugs or the coverage of the target application, whereas other features are related to usability and reliability. Most important, we believe that the outcome of our experiments indicates which parts of AFL we should preserve in the design of modern fuzzers.
2D-Layered Structure WS2 Nanosheets with Improved Electrochromism for Organic-Based Device
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Hui , Luo Jie , Liu Shengli , Tian Yuanyuan
Published: January 2023

A solid-state electrochromic device is assembled via polythiophene (P3HT) and tungsten disulfide (WS2)-introduced ethyl viologen (EV) layers. The WS2 nanosheets are prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal technique and investigated via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer and Raman spectra. The device exhibits the enhanced electrochromic properties, such as response time (0.9 s/1.3 s), cyclic stability (1000 cycles), coloration efficiency (410 cm2 C−1), and the reversible color switching from pink to blue at the small applied potential (±1.6 V). This indicates that WS2 with graphene-like 2D-layered nanostructure has the weak van der Waals force between the layers, which can store and transfer electrical charges between the films and electrolytes, thus improving the carrier mobility, which is crucial for improving the properties of electrochromic device. In addition, the introduction of WS2 promoted the device to become one of the most efficient polythiophene-viologen based devices. Therefore, this work provides a basis for the development of new electrochromic devices as the alternatives to the graphene-based devices.
Measurement and Analysis of Local Average Power According to Averaging Length Changes of 3, 6, 10, and 17 GHz in an Indoor Corridor Environment
Authors: Lee Seong-Hun , Cho Byung-Lok
Published: January 2023

This study measures and analyzes the local average power for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths according to the averaging length in an indoor corridor environment. The indoor corridor comprises multiple offices, laboratory spaces, and lecture rooms. We selected 3, 6, 10, and 17 GHz measurement frequency bands. The measurement system consists of a signal generator, a low-noise amplifier, transmission and receiving antenna, and spectrum analyzer. To obtain an accurate prediction model of propagation due to the multipath effect, we determined the measurement method based on the measurement interval and number of measurements according to changes in the averaging length. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 lambdas (λ) were selected for the number of measurements by frequency, and 1.5 cm was set as the measurement interval. We used the close-in (CI) path loss model for the analysis according to changes in the averaging length. The coefficient of determination (R-squared) was applied using a linear regression equation to verify the measurement accuracy. Based on parameter n of the CI path loss model, no large differences were observed in the averaging length at each measurement frequency. However, at 2λ, owing to the multipath effect, R-squared was approximately 0.4–0.7 for the LOS path and 0.6–0.8 for the NLOS path. At 10λ, R-squared was approximately 0.7–0.8 for the LOS path and 0.8–0.9 for the NLOS path. This indicated that as the number of measurements increased by increasing the averaging length, the accuracy of the measurement results improved. The study findings will help determine an optimal averaging length, thus ensuring reliable indoor propagation measurement and contributing to the ITU-R standard.
Numerical Study on Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Rectangular Roadway
Authors: Li Xuejia , Wu Baoyang , Zhu Yanzhao , Guo Junting , Li Zhaolong
Published: January 2023

In the practical processes of coal mines and tunnel, rectangular roadways are widely used in the underground environment. However, the stress distribution law of the rock mass around the rectangular roadways is relatively complicated that is influenced by different parameters, such as the in situ stress, geological structure, and properties of the surrounding rock mass. It is extremely significant to conduct systematic and in-depth research regarding the stress distribution and deformation failure mechanism of the rock mass around the rectangular roadways. Based on theoretical analysis, the stress distribution law of the surrounding rock of rectangular roadway under different rock mass strength grades is studied directly through rectangular roadway in this paper. This further reveals the distribution law of secondary stress field after excavation of rectangular roadway. A coal mine intends to excavate a roadway in rock mass, and then, the rectangular roadway is simulated by FLAC3D software. Then, the strain distribution and failure types of roadway surrounding rock under different rock mass properties are obtained. The results show that the failure of rectangular roadway is mainly shear failure and tensile failure. The roof and floor of roadway are mainly tensile failure, and the side of roadway is mainly shear failure. Moreover, the stress shifting and distribution of the rock mass around rectangular roadways is a complicated dynamic variation process. The damage degree of the floor and roof of the rectangular roadway is greater than that of the two sides of the roadway. Its variation is mainly related to the strength of surrounding rock mass.