An Axiomatic Approach to Liveness for Differential Equations

This paper presents an approach for deductive liveness verification for ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with differential dynamic logic. Numerous subtleties complicate the generalization of well-known discrete liveness verification techniques, such as loop variants, to the continuous setting. For example, ODE solutions may blow up in finite time or their progress towards the goal may converge to zero. Our approach handles these subtleties by successively refining ODE liveness properties using ODE invariance properties which have a well-understood deductive proof theory. This approach is widely applicable: we survey several liveness arguments in the literature and derive them all as special instances of our axiomatic refinement approach. We also correct several soundness errors in the surveyed arguments, which further highlights the subtlety of ODE liveness reasoning and the utility of our deductive approach. The library of common refinement steps identified through our approach enables both the sound development and justification of new ODE liveness proof rules from our axioms.Comment: FM 2019: 23rd International Symposium on Formal Methods, Porto, Portugal, October 9-11, 201

The Aims of the Criminal Law

Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) is an interesting material for sustainable photovoltaics, but efficiencies are limitedby the low open-circuit voltage. A possible cause of this is disorder among the Cu and Zn cations, aphenomenon which is difficult to detect by standard techniques. We show that this issue can beovercome using near-resonant Raman scattering, which lets us estimate a critical temperature of 533±10 K for the transition between ordered and disordered CZTS. These findings have deepsignificance for the synthesis of high-quality material, and pave the way for quantitative investigationof the impact of disorder on the performance of CZTS-based solar cells.kestCa

Towards Physical Hybrid Systems

Some hybrid systems models are unsafe for mathematically correct but physically unrealistic reasons. For example, mathematical models can classify a system as being unsafe on a set that is too small to have physical importance. In particular, differences in measure zero sets in models of cyber-physical systems (CPS) have significant mathematical impact on the mathematical safety of these models even though differences on measure zero sets have no tangible physical effect in a real system. We develop the concept of "physical hybrid systems" (PHS) to help reunite mathematical models with physical reality. We modify a hybrid systems logic (differential temporal dynamic logic) by adding a first-class operator to elide distinctions on measure zero sets of time within CPS models. This approach facilitates modeling since it admits the verification of a wider class of models, including some physically realistic models that would otherwise be classified as mathematically unsafe. We also develop a proof calculus to help with the verification of PHS.Comment: CADE 201

Procolipase gene : no association with early-onset obesity or fat intake

Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Constructive Hybrid Games

Hybrid games are models which combine discrete, continuous, and adversarial dynamics. Game logic enables proving (classical) existence of winning strategies. We introduce constructive differential game logic (CdGL) for hybrid games, where proofs that a player can win the game correspond to computable winning strategies. This is the logical foundation for synthesis of correct control and monitoring code for safety-critical cyber-physical systems. Our contributions include novel static and dynamic semantics as well as soundness and consistency.Comment: 60 pages, preprint, under revie

Analysis of a functional serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism in psoriasis vulgaris

Serotonin is a monoamine acting as a neuromediator in the central and peripheral nervous system. Recently, serotonin has also been shown to influence T- and B-cell function. The serotonin transporter is central in the regulation of the serotonergic system and widely expressed on cells of the immune system. A functional length polymorphism in the promoter of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in the genetic background of depression. Psoriasis is a complex disease with a polygenetic inheritance. In light of the role of T-cell mediated inflammation in psoriasis and the increased prevalence of depression in psoriatic patients, we analyzed the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in 309 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 315 healthy control individuals. No significant differences in genotype distribution and allele frequencies were found. There was also no difference in the score of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in patients with psoriasis (n = 137) characterized by carriage of different 5-HTTLPR genotypes. These findings argue against a major contribution of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism to psoriasis susceptibility and the occurrence of depressive symptoms among psoriatic patients

The role of health determinants in the influenza vaccination uptake among older adults (65+): a scope review

Background: Although the burden of influenza infection is the highest in older adults, vaccination coverage remains low, despite this age group being more vulnerable than others. Aims: Given the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it was the aim of this scope review to update knowledge on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among older adults to strengthen prevention approaches in the context of an overall burden of infectious diseases. Methods: We searched bibliographic databases from 2012 to 2019. All studies reviewed one or more social determinant of health listed by WHO, or factors affecting the decision-making process whether to accept influenza vaccine or not. Results: Overall, 44 studies were included, 41 determinants were extracted and summarized into six categories. Older age and constitutional factors including multiple chronic diseases as well as preventive lifestyle and frequent routine healthcare utilization positively affected vaccination uptake (VU). Living and working conditions are also researched determinants of influenza vaccine uptake. A small number of studies explored the role of social inclusion and system-based interventions. Discussion and conclusions: This scope review provides a comprehensive overview on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among older citizens. The review also clearly shows gaps for evidence on system-based level or political strategies to improve vaccination uptake

Controlling electronic events through rational structural design in subphthalocyanine–corrole dyads: synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties

Porphyrinoids are considered perfect candidates for their incorporation into electron donor–acceptor (D–A) arrays due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and low reorganization energies. For the first time, a series of subphthalocyanine (SubPc) and corrole (Cor) were covalently connected through a short-range linkage. SubPc axial substitution strategies were employed, which allowed the synthesis of the target molecules in decent yields. In this context, a qualitative synthetic approach was performed to reverse the expected direction of the different electronic events. Consequently, in-depth absorption, fluorescence, and electrochemical assays enabled the study of electronic and photophysical properties. Charge separation was observed in cases of electron-donating Cors, whereas a quantitative energy transfer from the Cor to the SubPc was detected in the case of electron accepting Cors

Sharper and Simpler Nonlinear Interpolants for Program Verification

Interpolation of jointly infeasible predicates plays important roles in various program verification techniques such as invariant synthesis and CEGAR. Intrigued by the recent result by Dai et al.\ that combines real algebraic geometry and SDP optimization in synthesis of polynomial interpolants, the current paper contributes its enhancement that yields sharper and simpler interpolants. The enhancement is made possible by: theoretical observations in real algebraic geometry; and our continued fraction-based algorithm that rounds off (potentially erroneous) numerical solutions of SDP solvers. Experiment results support our tool's effectiveness; we also demonstrate the benefit of sharp and simple interpolants in program verification examples