bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polynomial Identification of $$\omega $$-Automata
Authors: Angluin Dana , Fisman Dana , Shoval Yaara 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe study identification in the limit using polynomial time and data for models of $$\omega $$-automata. On the negative side we show that non-deterministic $$\omega $$-automata (of types Büchi, coBüchi, Parity or Muller) can not be polynomially learned in the limit. On the positive side we show that the $$\omega $$-language classes $$\mathbb {IB}$$, $$\mathbb {IC}$$, $$\mathbb {IP}$$, and $$\mathbb {IM}$$ that are defined by deterministic Büchi, coBüchi, parity, and Muller acceptors that are isomorphic to their right-congruence automata (that is, the right congruences of languages in these classes are fully informative) are identifiable in the limit using polynomial time and data. We further show that for these classes a characteristic sample can be constructed in polynomial time.
VeriAbs : Verification by Abstraction and Test Generation (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Afzal Mohammad , Chakraborty Supratik , Chauhan Avriti , Chimdyalwar Bharti , Darke Priyanka , Gupta Ashutosh , Kumar Shrawan , Babu M Charles , Unadkat Divyesh , Venkatesh R 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVeriAbs is a strategy selection based reachability verifier for C code. It analyzes the structure of loops, and intervals of inputs to choose one of the four verification strategies implemented in VeriAbs. In this paper, we present VeriAbs version 1.4 with updates in three strategies. We add an array verification technique called full-program induction, and enhance the existing techniques of loop pruning, k-path interval analysis, and disjunctive loop summarization. These changes have improved the verification of programs with arrays, and unstructured loops and unstructured control flows.
Java Ranger at SV-COMP 2020 (Competition Contribution)
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Hussein Soha , Whalen Michael W. , McCamant Stephen , Visser Willem 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPath-merging is a known technique for accelerating symbolic execution. One technique, named “veritesting” by Avgerinos et al. uses summaries of bounded control-flow regions and has been shown to accelerate symbolic execution of binary code. But, when applied to symbolic execution of Java code, veritesting needs to be extended to summarize dynamically dispatched methods and exceptional control-flow. Such an extension of veritesting has been implemented in Java Ranger by implementing as an extension of Symbolic PathFinder, a symbolic executor for Java bytecode. In this paper, we briefly describe the architecture of Java Ranger and describe its setup for SV-COMP 2020.
CPU Energy Meter: A Tool for Energy-Aware Algorithms Engineering
Authors: Beyer Dirk , Wendler Philipp 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVerification algorithms are among the most resource-intensive computation tasks. Saving energy is important for our living environment and to save cost in data centers. Yet, researchers compare the efficiency of algorithms still in terms of consumption of CPU time (or even wall time). Perhaps one reason for this is that measuring energy consumption of computational processes is not as convenient as measuring the consumed time and there is no sufficient tool support. To close this gap, we contribute CPU Energy Meter, a small tool that takes care of reading the energy values that Intel CPUs track inside the chip. In order to make energy measurements as easy as possible, we integrated CPU Energy Meter into BenchExec, a benchmarking tool that is already used by many researchers and competitions in the domain of formal methods. As evidence for usefulness, we explored the energy consumption of some state-of-the-art verifiers and report some interesting insights, for example, that energy consumption is not necessarily correlated with CPU time.
Stress-mediated generation of deleterious ROS in healthy individuals - role of cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Ramzan Rabia , Vogt Sebastian , Kadenbach Bernhard 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPsychosocial stress is known to cause an increased incidence of coronary heart disease. In addition, multiple other diseases like cancer and diabetes mellitus have been related to stress and are mainly based on excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria. The molecular interactions between stress and ROS, however, are still unknown. Here we describe the missing molecular link between stress and an increased cellular ROS, based on the regulation of cytochrome c oxidase (COX). In normal healthy cells, the “allosteric ATP inhibition of COX” decreases the oxygen uptake of mitochondria at high ATP/ADP ratios and keeps the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) low. Above ΔΨm values of 140 mV, the production of ROS in mitochondria increases exponentially. Stress signals like hypoxia, stress hormones, and high glutamate or glucose in neurons increase the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration which activates a mitochondrial phosphatase that dephosphorylates COX. This dephosphorylated COX exhibits no allosteric ATP inhibition; consequently, an increase of ΔΨm and ROS formation takes place. The excess production of mitochondrial ROS causes apoptosis or multiple diseases.
Evolution of microbial dynamics with the introduction of real seawater portions in a low-strength feeding anammox process
Authors: Ji Xiaoming , Wang Yongli , Lee Po-Heng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe salinity effect on anammox bacteria has been widely reported; however, rare studies describe the microbial dynamics of anammox-based process response to the introduction of real seawater at mainstream conditions. In this study, an anammox process at mainstream conditions without pre-enriching anammox bacteria was shifted to the feeds of a synthetic wastewater with a portion of seawater mixture. It achieved over 0.180 kg-N/(m3 day) of nitrogen removal rate with an additional seawater proportion of 20% in the influent. The bacterial biodiversity was significantly increased with the increase of seawater proportions. High relative abundance of anammox bacteria (34.24–39.92%) related to Ca. Brocadia was enriched and acclimated to the saline environment. However, the introduction of seawater caused the enrichment of nitrite-oxidizing Ca. Nitrospira, which was responsible for the deterioration of nitrogen removal efficiency. Possible adaptation metabolisms in anammox bacteria and other nitrogen transforming bacteria are discussed. These results highlight the importance of microbial diversity for anammox process under the saline environments of 20% and 40% seawater composition.
Evidence gap on antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy in frail older adults
Authors:   MedQoL-Group (Medication and Quality of Life in frail older persons), Bollig Claudia , Torbahn Gabriel , Bauer Jürgen , Brefka Simone , Dallmeier Dhayana , Denkinger Michael , Eidam Annette , Klöppel Stefan , Zeyfang Andrej , Voigt-Radloff Sebastian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Although antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy in frail older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is challenging, recommendations from international guidelines are mainly based on indirect evidence from trials not including frail participants.

Objective
This systematic review investigated the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy in frail older adults with T2DM.

Material and methods
Randomized (RCT) and non-randomized prospective clinical trials (non-RCT) were searched in three electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Central) up to October 2018. Trials in older adults with T2DM who were assessed as significantly or severely impaired by defined cut-off scores of assessment instruments on frailty, activities of daily living or physical functional impairment were included.

Results
Two reviewers independently screened 17,391 references for inclusion and assessed risk of bias with ROBINS‑I. Five non-RCTs and no RCT were identified. Treatment of T2DM without insulin compared to insulin could be associated with increased improvement in cardiac functions in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy and with decreased falls in frail older women. While better glycemic control with low variability and low HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) values (<7%) was associated with better maintenance of physical function in community-dwelling older persons, higher HbA1c values (8–8.9%) were associated with a reduction in the composite outcome of death or functional decline in community-dwelling diabetic older adults with need for skilled assistance. Due to serious risk of bias in all studies, results should be considered with caution.

Conclusion
Well-designed, large-scale RCTs including this important group of patients are required to assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy and HbA1c targets.
Point-to-line last passage percolation and the invariant measure of a system of reflecting Brownian motions
Authors: FitzGerald Will , Warren Jon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper proves an equality in law between the invariant measure of a reflected system of Brownian motions and a vector of point-to-line last passage percolation times in a discrete random environment. A consequence describes the distribution of the all-time supremum of Dyson Brownian motion with drift. A finite temperature version relates the point-to-line partition functions of two directed polymers, with an inverse-gamma and a Brownian environment, and generalises Dufresne’s identity. Our proof introduces an interacting system of Brownian motions with an invariant measure given by a field of point-to-line log partition functions for the log-gamma polymer.
Dry mouth: saliva substitutes which adsorb and modify existing salivary condition films improve oral lubrication
Authors: Vinke Jeroen , Kaper Hans J. , Vissink Arjan , Sharma Prashant K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objectives
The aims of this study are to assess different saliva substitutes for their efficacy to lubricate the oral cavity, and to relate this oral lubrication to the ability of saliva substitutes to adsorb on and change the structure of the existing salivary conditioning film (SCF).

Materials and methods
Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation was used to study the capability of saliva substitutes to interact with natural SCF and the ability to change the secondary SCF (S-SCF). A tongue-enamel friction system mimicking xerostomic conditions was used to assess the relief and relief period expected from these substitutes under set circumstances.

Results
Saliva Orthana spray, Biotène spray and Gum Hydral gel had an immediate effect on a SCF, increasing its structural softness. BioXtra gel, Biotène gel, Gum Hydral gel and Glandosane spray changed the S-SCF by increasing salivary protein adsorption, while others showed no sign of interaction. With respect to relief, only 2 out of the 16 saliva substitutes tested (Saliva Orthana spray and Gum Hydral gel) performed better than water. Overall, relief period correlated positively to structural softness change, whereas a positive correlation was seen between relief and mass adsorption.

Conclusions
The majority of saliva substitutes did not adsorb on the SCF, thus did not enhance lubrication. Only saliva substitutes containing carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, pig gastric mucin, xanthan gum and carbomer performed better in enhancing oral lubrication.

Clinical relevance
This objective assessment will help clinicians and patients make better choice of saliva substitutes. This study provides a scientific basis for future improvement in saliva substitutes.
Farmers’ landslide risk perceptions and willingness for restoration and conservation of world heritage site of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China
Authors: Gao Xuan , Roder Giulia , Jiao Yuanmei , Ding Yinping , Liu Zhilin , Tarolli Paolo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (China) is an ancient world heritage agricultural landscape that has been evolved in centuries as a result of farmers’ indigenous practices and knowledge. The area, however, is prone to landslides that can burden the conservation of these landscapes including their social, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. In June 2018, a landslide threatened the villages of Duosha and Mengpin affecting 138 inhabitants and the terraces structure. This event marked the need to understand how farmers coexist with these natural hazards and which are the behaviours people adopt to conserve their environment and safeguard their livelihood. Results from 125 in-person interviews showed that farmers feel threaten by landslide events derived by their personal experience, but their poor perceived preparedness and the inefficient disaster information make them more vulnerable to those events. Nevertheless, they demonstrated a desire to increase their knowledge on terraces restoration and conservation practices. This is an important signal for public authorities and practitioners that need to underpin training activities and create momentum for discussion. The demonstrated high trust in authorities’ decisions is a crucial element to pursue the objective and sustain the conservation of the terraces and the tourism economy.
Pesticide use and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma: results from the North American Pooled Project (NAPP)
Authors: Latifovic Lidija , Freeman Laura E. Beane , Spinelli John J. , Pahwa Manisha , Kachuri Linda , Blair Aaron , Cantor Kenneth P. , Zahm Shelia Hoar , Weisenburger Dennis D. , McLaughlin John R. , Dosman James A. , Pahwa Punam , Koutros Stella , Demers Paul A. , Harris Shelley A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between pesticide exposures and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) using data from the North American Pooled Project (NAPP).

Methods
Three population-based studies conducted in Kansas, Nebraska, and six Canadian provinces (HL = 507, Controls = 3886) were pooled to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for single (never/ever) and multiple (0, 1, 2–4, ≥ 5) pesticides used, duration (years) and, for select pesticides, frequency (days/year) using adjusted logistic regression models. An age-stratified analysis (≤ 40/ > 40 years) was conducted when numbers were sufficient.

Results
In an analysis of 26 individual pesticides, ever use of terbufos was significantly associated with HL (OR: 2.53, 95% CI 1.04–6.17). In age-stratified analyses, associations were stronger among those ≤ 40 years of age. No significant associations were noted among those > 40 years old; however, HL cases ≤ 40 were three times more likely to report ever using dimethoate (OR: 3.76 95% CI 1.02–33.84) and almost twice as likely to have ever used malathion (OR: 1.86 95% CI 1.00–3.47). Those ≤ 40 years of age reporting use of 5 + organophosphate insecticides had triple the odds of HL (OR: 3.00 95% CI 1.28–7.03). Longer duration of use of 2,4-D, ≥ 6 vs. 0 years, was associated with elevated odds of HL (OR: 2.59 95% CI 1.34–4.97).

Conclusion
In the NAPP, insecticide use may increase the risk of HL, but results are based on small numbers.
The role of lipid species in membranes and cancer-related changes
Authors: Skotland Tore , Kavaliauskiene Simona , Sandvig Kirsten 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeveral studies have demonstrated interactions between the two leaflets in membrane bilayers and the importance of specific lipid species for such interaction and membrane function. We here discuss these investigations with a focus on the sphingolipid and cholesterol-rich lipid membrane domains called lipid rafts, including the small flask-shaped invaginations called caveolae, and the importance of such membrane structures in cell biology and cancer. We discuss the possible interactions between the very long-chain sphingolipids in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and the phosphatidylserine species PS 18:0/18:1 in the inner leaflet and the importance of cholesterol for such interactions. We challenge the view that lipid rafts contain a large fraction of lipids with two saturated fatty acyl groups and argue that it is important in future studies of membrane models to use asymmetric membrane bilayers with lipid species commonly found in cellular membranes. We also discuss the need for more quantitative lipidomic studies in order to understand membrane function and structure in general, and the importance of lipid rafts in biological systems. Finally, we discuss cancer-related changes in lipid rafts and lipid composition, with a special focus on changes in glycosphingolipids and the possibility of using lipid therapy for cancer treatment.
Competitors in merger control: Shall they be merely heard or also listened to?
Authors: Giebe Thomas , Lee Miyu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere are legal grounds to hear competitors in merger control proceedings, and competitor involvement has gained significance. To what extent this is economically sensible is the focus of our game-theoretic analysis. The competition authority applies some welfare standard while the competitor cares about its own profit. In expectation, there is neither a pure conflict nor a complete alignment of interest. We distinguish hard and soft information and ask whether hearing the competitor might convey valuable but non-verifiable information to the authority. We identify a case where, based on the authority’s verifiable information, the authority’s decision is improved by following the competitor’s selfish but non-verifiable communication. We argue that the practical relevance of this constellation is very limited, especially so under a consumer welfare standard. Thus, non-verifiable information should mostly be ignored. Complementary to our analysis, we provide empirical data of competitor involvement in EU merger cases and give an overview of the legal discussion in the EU and US.
What Is the Function of Confirmation Bias?
Authors: Peters Uwe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractConfirmation bias is one of the most widely discussed epistemically problematic cognitions, challenging reliable belief formation and the correction of inaccurate views. Given its problematic nature, it remains unclear why the bias evolved and is still with us today. To offer an explanation, several philosophers and scientists have argued that the bias is in fact adaptive. I critically discuss three recent proposals of this kind before developing a novel alternative, what I call the ‘reality-matching account’. According to the account, confirmation bias evolved because it helps us influence people and social structures so that they come to match our beliefs about them. This can result in significant developmental and epistemic benefits for us and other people, ensuring that over time we don’t become epistemically disconnected from social reality but can navigate it more easily. While that might not be the only evolved function of confirmation bias, it is an important one that has so far been neglected in the theorizing on the bias.
G × E interactions on yield and quality in Coffea arabica: new F1 hybrids outperform American cultivars
Authors: Marie Lison , Abdallah Cécile , Campa Claudine , Courtel Philippe , Bordeaux Mélanie , Navarini Luciano , Lonzarich Valentina , Bosselmann Aske Skovmand , Turreira-García Nerea , Alpizar Edgardo , Georget Frédéric , Breitler Jean-Christophe , Etienne Hervé , Bertrand Benoît 
Published: April 2020

AbstractConventional American cultivars of coffee are no longer adapted to global warming. Finding highly productive and stable cultivars in different environments without neglecting quality characteristics has become a priority for breeders. In this study, new Arabica F1 hybrids clones were compared to conventional American varieties in seven contrasting environments, for yield, rust incidence and volume of the canopy. The quality was assessed through size, weight of 100 beans, biochemical analysis (24 aroma precursors and 31 volatiles compounds) and sensory analysis. Conventional varieties were the least productive, producing 50% less than the best hybrid. The AMMI model analysis pointed out five hybrids as the most stable and productive. Two F1 hybrids clones, H1-Centroamericano and H16-Mundo Maya, were superior to the most planted American cultivar in Latin and Central America showing a high yield performance and stability performance. H1-Centroamerica and Starmaya contain more d-limonene than Caturra, while Starmaya contain more 3-methylbutanoic acid than the control. Those two latter volatiles compounds are linked with good cup quality in previous studies. In terms of sensory analysis, Starmaya and H1-Centroamericano scored better than control.
Comparative efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Täger Tobias , Atar Dan , Agewall Stefan , Katus Hugo A. , Grundtvig Morten , Cleland John G. F. , Clark Andrew L. , Fröhlich Hanna , Frankenstein Lutz 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The comparative efficacy of individual SGLT2i remains unclear. We searched PubMed, www.clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials exploring the use of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin or ertugliflozin in patients with T2D. Comparators included placebo or any other active treatment. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure (HF). Evidence was synthesised using network meta-analysis (NMA). Sixty-four trials reporting on 74,874 patients were included. The overall quality of evidence was high. When compared with placebo, empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved all three endpoints, whereas dapagliflozin improved worsening HF. When compared with other SGLT2i, empagliflozin was superior for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality reduction. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Ertugliflozin had no effect on any of the three endpoints investigated. Sensitivity analyses including extension periods of trials or excluding studies with a treatment duration of < 52 weeks confirmed the main results. Similar results were obtained when restricting mortality analyses to patients included in cardiovascular outcome trials (n = 38,719). Empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved survival with empagliflozin being superior to the other SGLT2i. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Prospective head-to-head comparisons would be needed to confirm these results.