XRP-NDN overlay: Improving the Communication Efficiency of Consensus-Validation based Blockchains with an NDN Overlay

Scientific Conference (2023)

With growing adoption of Distributed Ledger Technologies, their networks must scale while maintaining efficient communication for the underlying consensus and replication mechanisms. New content ... [more ▼]

With growing adoption of Distributed Ledger Technologies, their networks must scale while maintaining efficient communication for the underlying consensus and replication mechanisms. New content distribution concepts like Named Data Networking create opportunities to achieve this goal. We present and evaluate XRP-NDN overlay, a solution to increase communication efficiency for consensus-validation blockchains like XRP Ledger. We send consensus messages over different communication models and show that the chosen model lowers the number of messages at node level to minimum, while maintaining or improving performance by leveraging overlay advantages. [less ▲]

Reactive microglia are the major source of tumor necrosis factor alpha and contribute to astrocyte dysfunction and acute seizures in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy.

in Glia (2023), 71(2), 168-186

Extensive microglia reactivity has been well described in human and experimental temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To date, however, it is not clear whether and based on which molecular mechanisms microglia ... [more ▼]

Extensive microglia reactivity has been well described in human and experimental temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To date, however, it is not clear whether and based on which molecular mechanisms microglia contribute to the development and progression of focal epilepsy. Astroglial gap junction coupled networks play an important role in regulating neuronal activity and loss of interastrocytic coupling causally contributes to TLE. Here, we show in the unilateral intracortical kainate (KA) mouse model of TLE that reactive microglia are primary producers of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and contribute to astrocyte dysfunction and severity of status epilepticus (SE). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed pronounced and persistent microglia reactivity, which already started 4 h after KA-induced SE. Partial depletion of microglia using a colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor prevented early astrocyte uncoupling and attenuated the severity of SE, but increased the mortality of epileptic mice following surgery. Using microglia-specific inducible TNFα knockout mice we identified microglia as the major source of TNFα during early epileptogenesis. Importantly, microglia-specific TNFα knockout prevented SE-induced gap junction uncoupling in astrocytes. Continuous telemetric EEG recordings revealed that during the first 4 weeks after SE induction, microglial TNFα did not significantly contribute to spontaneous generalized seizure activity. Moreover, the absence of microglial TNFα did not affect the development of hippocampal sclerosis but attenuated gliosis. Taken together, these data implicate reactive microglia in astrocyte dysfunction and network hyperexcitability after an epileptogenic insult. [less ▲]

QRNG Entropy as a Service(EaaS) Platform for Quantum-Safe Entropy and key Delivery

Report (2023)

Random numbers [1] are widely used in numerical computing, statistical simulation, random sampling, etc. The security of random numbers is getting more attention. In addition to random numbers ... [more ▼]

Random numbers [1] are widely used in numerical computing, statistical simulation, random sampling, etc. The security of random numbers is getting more attention. In addition to random numbers, information and network environment security [2] are also very important in real life, such as the generation of verification code for login, QR code for online payment, etc. All random numbers that involve important identity information must have extremely high security to protect personal privacy from being leaked or illegally stolen. At present, the mechanism for generating random numbers by computers is at risk of being attacked which is subject that the generated random numbers may be predicted in some cases. Random number generation (RNG) [3] has always been one of the biggest problems. The problem with classic random number generators, i.e., pseudorandom number generators, consists in the possibility to know the deterministic process of pseudorandom generation by unwanted persons. This may result, in the case of cryptography, in compromising a myth of security. Another problem may be the incorrect handling of the generated sequence—mostly in cryptographic uses, the generated random sequence is applied once. Its multiple usage may lead to a security breach (e.g., in the case of the OTP cipher, a sufficiently long key should be truly random and used once in that protocol, otherwise it will be possible to break the code). [less ▲]

PriorDraw: A user-friendly interactive tool for translating prior beliefs into probability distributions

Software (2023)

Towards a harmonized identification scoring system in LC-HRMS/MS based non-target screening (NTS) of emerging contaminants

in TrAC: Trends in Analytical Chemistry (2023), 159

Non-target screening (NTS) methods are rapidly gaining in popularity, empowering researchers to search for an ever-increasing number of chemicals. Given this possibility, communicating the confidence of ... [more ▼]

Non-target screening (NTS) methods are rapidly gaining in popularity, empowering researchers to search for an ever-increasing number of chemicals. Given this possibility, communicating the confidence of identification in an automated, concise and unambiguous manner is becoming increasingly important. In this study, we compiled several pieces of evidence necessary for communicating NTS identification confidence and developed a machine learning approach for classification of the identifications as reliable and unreliable. The machine learning approach was trained using data generated by four laboratories equipped with different instrumentation. The model discarded substances with insufficient identification evidence efficiently, while revealing the relevance of different parameters for identification. Based on these results, a harmonized IP-based system is proposed. This new NTS-oriented system is compatible with the currently widely used five level system. It increases the precision in reporting and the reproducibility of current approaches via the inclusion of evidence scores, while being suitable for automation. [less ▲]

Proteome analysis of monocytes implicates altered mitochondrial biology in adults reporting adverse childhood experiences.

in Translational psychiatry (2023), 13(1), 31

The experience of adversity in childhood has been associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. In search of the biological mechanisms underlying these effects, research so far focused on alterations ... [more ▼]

The experience of adversity in childhood has been associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. In search of the biological mechanisms underlying these effects, research so far focused on alterations of DNA methylation or shifts in transcriptomic profiles. The level of protein, however, has been largely neglected. We utilized mass spectrometry to investigate the proteome of CD14(+) monocytes in healthy adults reporting childhood adversity and a control group before and after psychosocial stress exposure. Particular proteins involved in (i) immune processes, such as neutrophil-related proteins, (ii) protein metabolism, or (iii) proteins related to mitochondrial biology, such as those involved in energy production processes, were upregulated in participants reporting exposure to adversity in childhood. This functional triad was further corroborated by protein interaction- and co-expression analyses, was independent of stress exposure, i.e. observed at both pre- and post-stress time points, and became evident especially in females. In line with the mitochondrial allostatic load model, our findings provide evidence for the long-term effects of childhood adversity on mitochondrial biology. [less ▲]

Inside out: A relational perspective on Luxembourg

Report (2023)

The paper adds to the synthesis of the 2922 INURA-Annual Meeting held in Luxembourg and includes a reflection on the practice of comparative analysis and exchange of experience in urban policy and ... [more ▼]

The paper adds to the synthesis of the 2922 INURA-Annual Meeting held in Luxembourg and includes a reflection on the practice of comparative analysis and exchange of experience in urban policy and planning. The informed statements made by INURA-members on related issues in Luxembourg are considered rather different (and very much to the point), compared to the often less informed praise by visitors from outside. This peculiar outcome of 'relationality' from outside may hinder a more effective policy response to be developed within the country. [less ▲]

Luxembourg: All Hands on Deck

in Lynggaard; Jensen; Kluth (Eds.) Governments' Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic in Europe: Navigating the Perfect Storm (2023)

Luxembourg recorded a comparatively high number of infections during the first wave of the Covid-19 crisis. The health system nevertheless remained fully functional as additional Covid centres were set up ... [more ▼]

Luxembourg recorded a comparatively high number of infections during the first wave of the Covid-19 crisis. The health system nevertheless remained fully functional as additional Covid centres were set up throughout the country for the detection and treatment of less severe cases. A hard lockdown was imposed to cope with the first wave. Crisis management remained a depoliticized issue as the political parties and civil society more generally united behind the efforts to combat the pandemic. After the first wave, crisis management became more politicized, as the opposition complained about a lack of genuine consultation and as some civil society groups were disappointed by a late and lukewarm response to the second wave. Overall, crisis management was most successful when it combined authority with clear rules and good communication, but became less effective when rules became more complex. [less ▲]

Reinforcement Learning for Link Adaptation and Channel Selection in LEO Satellite Cognitive Communications

in IEEE Communications Letters (2023)

Reflections from the 30th Anniversary Conference of the International Network for Urban Research and Action (INURA) in Luxembourg, 'Small State Big Transitions'

Report (2023)