Interpolant-Based Transition Relation Approximation

In predicate abstraction, exact image computation is problematic, requiring in the worst case an exponential number of calls to a decision procedure. For this reason, software model checkers typically use a weak approximation of the image. This can result in a failure to prove a property, even given an adequate set of predicates. We present an interpolant-based method for strengthening the abstract transition relation in case of such failures. This approach guarantees convergence given an adequate set of predicates, without requiring an exact image computation. We show empirically that the method converges more rapidly than an earlier method based on counterexample analysis.Comment: Conference Version at CAV 2005. 17 Pages, 9 Figure

Sub-maximal blood lactate assessment of professional youth soccer players throughout the soccer season

Aerobic fitness is recognised as a very important fitness component in soccer (Reilly, 1994, Science and Soccer. E&FN Spon, UK). Thus, it is of importance to monitor the aerobic fitness of professional soccer players periodically throughout the soccer season. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in aerobic fitness of professional youth soccer players from the pre-season period to the start of the competitive season and throughout the competitive season. Thirty-seven male professional youth soccer players aged (mean +/- sd) 18.9 +/- 1.8 years participated in this study. The players were tested at six time-points throughout the playing season - sub-maximal running was performed on a treadmill (Woodway Ergo ES2, Cranlea, UK) and consisted of at least six progressive four-minute stages. Fingertip blood samples were collected at the end of each running speed and analysed for whole blood lactate concentration using an Analox GM7 analyser (Analox Instruments, UK). Although 37 soccer players participated in this study, not all players were tested at each time point (Table A), in order to account for the within-subjects design and the fact that there are missing data at certain testing time-points (which is assumed to be missing at random), a Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance with Bonferroni Multiple comparisons, and Bonferroni adjusted paired t-tests were used to determine any significant changes in aerobic fitness, using running speeds at the lactate threshold [vLT] and 4 mmol.l-1 [vLac4]. Aerobic fitness increased from the start of pre-season training to October (5 weeks into the competitive season) as evidenced by an increase in mean vLT and mean vLac4 (p<0.001) (Table 1). The mean vLT was highest in December (p<0.001) compared with January and June. Other fluctuations in the mean vLT throughout the competitive playing season were found to be non-significant. No significant differences in mean vLac4 were found during the competitive season. In conclusion, aerobic fitness increased from the start of pre-season training to the early weeks of the competitive playing season. The mean vLT was found to be highest in December. These findings demonstrate that the pre-season training was effective in improving aerobic fitness. The feet that the January, April and June vLT scores were lower than those in December suggests that coaches should examine the aerobic training regimens in the second half of the season. Table A. Lactate threshold (vLT) and 4 mmol.l (vLac4) running velocity (mean +/- sd) and number of observations for each testing time-point a - significantly higher than pre-season (p<0.001) b - significantly higher than January and June vLT (p<0.001)

A Case Study in Analytic Protocol Analysis in ACL2

When verifying computer systems we sometimes want to study their asymptotic behaviors, i.e., how they behave in the long run. In such cases, we need real analysis, the area of mathematics that deals with limits and the foundations of calculus. In a prior work, we used real analysis in ACL2s to study the asymptotic behavior of the RTO computation, commonly used in congestion control algorithms across the Internet. One key component in our RTO computation analysis was proving in ACL2s that for all alpha in [0, 1), the limit as n approaches infinity of alpha raised to n is zero. Whereas the most obvious proof strategy involves the logarithm, whose codomain includes irrationals, by default ACL2 only supports rationals, which forced us to take a non-standard approach. In this paper, we explore different approaches to proving the above result in ACL2(r) and ACL2s, from the perspective of a relatively new user to each. We also contextualize the theorem by showing how it allowed us to prove important asymptotic properties of the RTO computation. Finally, we discuss tradeoffs between the various proof strategies and directions for future research.Comment: In Proceedings ACL2-2023, arXiv:2311.0837

Utilization of an Anti-gravity Treadmill in a Physical Activity Program with Female Breast Cancer Survivors: a Pilot Study

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(1): 101- 109, 2016. Breast Cancer survivors can experience a myriad of physical and psychological benefits as a result of regular exercise. This study aimed to build on previous research using lower impact exercise programs by using an anti-gravity (Alter-G®) treadmill to administer cardiovascular training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness a physical activity program, including an Alter-G® treadmill, for improving physiological and psychosocial measures in female breast cancer survivors. A 14-week intervention using an AB-AB study design was employed. Six female breast cancer survivors were recruited to participate in the study. Participants attended three 60-minute sessions per week, consisting of a combination of muscular strength/endurance, and cardiovascular endurance exercises. Consistent with current literature and guidelines, exercise interventions were individualized and tailored to suit individuals. Data was collected and analyzed in 2013. Visual inspection of results found improvements in cardiovascular endurance and measures of body composition. Quality of life was maintained and in some cases, improved. Finally, no adverse effects were reported from the participants, and adherence to the program for those who completed the study was 97%. The results of this study suggest that the use of a physical activity program in combination with an Alter-G® treadmill may provide practical and meaningful improvements in measures of cardiovascular endurance and body composition

Informationの多変数解析への応用について

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), at ca. 55.8 Ma, is one of the most studied instances of past greenhouse gas-induced global warming. As such, it provides a rich opportunity to examine the impact of such global change on local climates. The effects of increased continental and sea surface temperatures on local precipitation and humidity during the PETM remain poorly constrained and studies reveal complex, regional differences; whilst some localities appear to experience a net increase in humidity, others exhibit the opposite. Crucially, there are few records of hydrological change from tropical regions. Recent onshore drilling expeditions in Tanzania have yielded expanded sedimentary sections, deposited in a marine environment, that span much of the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene and show exceptionally good preservation of both calcareous microfossils and organic matter. The PETM interval has previously been constrained by both biostratigraphy and carbon isotopic records and spans ca. 7 m of section. Lipid distributions, including various terrestrial, marine and bacterial biomarkers and their hydrogen isotopic compositions, as well as mineralogy, were used to examine East African vegetation and hydrological responses to the global change occurring at the PETM. Although total organic carbon contents decrease, the concentrations of both higher plant (n-alkanes, n-alkanoic acids) and soil bacterial (glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers) biomarkers increase dramatically at the onset of the PETM negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE), suggesting an increased discharge of fluvial sedimentary organic matter. Similarly, mineralogical indicators of terrestrial input – including Ti/Al and Si/Al ratios, quartz contents and, notably, the proportion of kaolinite – also increase at the onset of the CIE. However, higher plant leaf wax n-alkanes (C27, C29 and C31) become more deuterium-enriched throughout the same interval, suggesting a more arid and/or hotter, rather than a more humid, environment. This evidence collectively suggests an East African early PETM climate characterised by overall hot and arid conditions punctuated by intense, perhaps seasonal, precipitation events. These data match observations from other locations at mid-latitudes, suggesting that the humid climate often suggested for the PETM was not globally widespread

Development of a predictive Monte Carlo radiative transfer model for ablative fractional skin lasers

L.M. would like to acknowledge the funding from EPSRC grant code: EP/K503162/1. P.O'M. is funded by Medi‐Lase (registered charity SC 037390) and the Alfred Stewart Trust'.It is possible to enhance topical drug delivery by pretreatment of the skin with ablative fractional lasers (AFLs). However, the parameters to use for a given AFL to achieve the desired depth of ablation or the desired therapeutic or cosmetic outcome are hard to predict. This leaves open the real possibility of overapplication or underapplication of laser energy to the skin. In this study, we developed a numerical model consisting of a Monte Carlo radiative transfer (MCRT) code coupled to a heat transfer and tissue damage algorithm. The simulation is designed to predict the depth effects of AFL on the skin, verified with in vitro experiments in porcine skin via optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Ex vivo porcine skin is irradiated with increasing energies (50–400 mJ/pixel) from a CO2 AFL. The depth of microscopic treatment zones is measured and compared with our numerical model. The data from the OCT images and MCRT model complement each other well. Nonablative thermal effects on surrounding tissue are also discussed. This model, therefore, provides an initial step toward a predictive determination of the effects of AFL on the skin.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Engineering change in a non-deterministic FSM setting

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Prognosis in advanced lung cancer - a prospective study of examining key clinicopathological factors

AbstractObjectivesIn patients with advanced incurable lung cancer deciding as to the most appropriate treatment (e.g. chemotherapy or supportive care only) is challenging. In such patients the TNM classification system has reached its ceiling therefore other factors are used to assess prognosis and as such, guide treatment. Performance status (PS), weight loss and inflammatory biomarkers (Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)) predict survival in advanced lung cancer however these have not been compared. This study compares key prognostic factors in advanced lung cancer.Materials and methodsPatients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer were recruited and demographics, weight loss, other prognostic factors (mGPS, PS) were collected. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used to compare these prognostic factors.Results390 patients with advanced incurable lung cancer were recruited; 341 were male, median age was 66 years (IQR 59–73) and patients had stage IV non-small cell (n=288) (73.8%) or extensive stage small cell lung cancer (n=102) (26.2%). The median survival was 7.8 months. On multivariate analysis only performance status (HR 1.74 CI 1.50–2.02) and mGPS (HR 1.67, CI 1.40–2.00) predicted survival (p<0.001). Survival at 3 months ranged from 99% (ECOG 0–1) to 74% (ECOG 2) and using mGPS, from 99% (mGPS0) to 71% (mGPS2). In combination, survival ranged from 99% (mGPS 0, ECOG 0–1) to 33% (mGPS2, ECOG 3).ConclusionPerformance status and the mGPS are superior prognostic factors in advanced lung cancer. In combination, these improved survival prediction compared with either alone