Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the feasibility of online malware detection with performance counters

The proliferation of computers in any domain is followed by the proliferation of malware in that domain. Systems, including the latest mobile platforms, are laden with viruses, rootkits, spyware, adware and other classes of malware. Despite the existence of anti-virus software, malware threats persist and are growing as there exist a myriad of ways to subvert anti-virus (AV) software. In fact, attackers today exploit bugs in the AV software to break into systems. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of building a malware detector in hardware using existing performance counters. We find that data from performance counters can be used to identify malware and that our detection techniques are robust to minor variations in malware programs. As a result, after examining a small set of variations within a family of malware on Android ARM and Intel Linux platforms, we can detect many variations within that family. Further, our proposed hardware modifications allow the malware detector to run securely beneath the system software, thus setting the stage for AV implementations that are simpler and less buggy than software AV. Combined, the robustness and security of hardware AV techniques have the potential to advance state-of-the-art online malware detection.
Supercritical parametric wave phase conjugation as an instrument for narrowband analysis in ultrasonic harmonic imaging

Supercritical parametric wave phase conjugation (SWPC) is used for selection and phase conjugation of harmonic components of a nonlinear incident wave. The amplitude of the phase conjugate wave in a supercritical mode is high enough for acoustic nonlinearity of the propagation medium to appear. As a result, in particular, doubled and quadrupled frequencies of the incident wave become available for image formation at the same order of the medium nonlinearity. The improvement of the imaging system resolution because of harmonic analysis of the received acoustic signal and compensation of phase distortions caused by wave phase conjugation were observed simultaneously when the propagation medium was inhomogeneous.
Malignant small bowel neoplasms: histopathologic determinants of recurrence and survival.

INTRODUCTION Small bowel neoplasms account for only a small percentage of gastrointestinal tumors, but their prognosis is one of the worst. PURPOSE This study examines the histopathology, treatment, recurrence, and overall survival of a group of patients with primary small bowel tumors. METHODS From 1970 to 1991, a retrospective review identified 73 patients with primary small bowel tumors. Four histologic groups were identified: 1) group 1, adenocarcinoma, 29 patients; group 2, lymphoma, 18 patients; group 3, sarcoma, 8 patients; and group 4, carcinoid, 18 patients. There were 44 men and 29 women. The median age was 57 years (range, 26 to 90). Median follow-up was 15 months. Survival analysis was by the Mantel-Cox and Breslow methods. RESULTS The most common, by type, was group 1, duodenum; group 2, jejunum; group 3, jejunum; and group 4, ileum. The preoperative diagnosis was made in only 14 patients. The median survival for adenocarcinomas and lymphomas was 13 months, 18 months for sarcomas, and 36 months for carcinoids. Curative resection could be achieved in 48 (65%) of 73 patients, and the median survival was significantly longer for this group (26 months vs. 11 months, p < 0.05). Of the 48 curative resections, 20 patients (42%) recurred: group 1, 8/19 (42%); group 2, 4/12 (33%); group 3, 4/13 (31%); group 4, 4/4 (100%). The median time to recurrence was 17 months, and the median survival after recurrence was 20 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy-radiation therapy did not alter survival in any group. CONCLUSIONS The preoperative diagnosis of small bowel tumors rarely is made because symptoms are vague and nonspecific. Surgical resection for cure results in improved survival. Recurrence is common and survival after recurrence is poor. Other treatment methods have no role in the management of these patients.
Transformation properties and entanglement of relativistic qubits under space-time and gauge transformations

We revisit the properties of qubits under Lorentz transformations and, by considering Lorentz invariant quantum states in the Heisenberg formulation, clarify some misleading notation that has appeared in the literature on relativistic quantum information theory. We then use this formulation to consider the transformation properties of qubits and density matrices under space-time and gauge transformations. Finally we use our results to understand the behaviour of entanglement between different partitions of quantum systems. Our approach not only clarifies the notation, but provides a more intuitive and simple way of gaining insight into the behaviour of relativistic qubits. In particular, it allows us to greatly generalize the results in the current literature as well as substantially simplifying the calculations that are needed.
Global Distribution of Proton Rings and Associated Magnetosonic Wave Instability in the Inner Magnetosphere

Using the Van Allen Probe‐A observations, we obtained the global distribution of proton rings and calculated the linear wave growth rate of fast magnetosonic (MS) waves in the region L ~3–6. Our statistical and calculated results demonstrate that MS waves can be locally excited on the dayside outside the plasmapause, as well as in the dusk sector inside the plasmapause. The frequency range of unstable MS waves is strongly modulated by the ratio of the proton ring velocity (Vr) to the local Alfvén speed (VA). High harmonic MS waves (ω > 20ΩH+) can be excited outside the plasmapause where Vr/VA < 1, while low harmonic MS waves (ω < 10ΩH+) with frequencies less than ~30 Hz are found to be excited both outside and inside the plasmapause where 1 < Vr/VA < 2.
Assessment of Implicit Motives With a Research Version of the TAT: Picture Profiles, Gender Differences, and Relations to Other Personality Measures

Four hundred twenty-eight participants wrote imaginative stories in response to 6 picture cues of a research version of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Morgan & Murray, 1935). Story protocols were coded for n (need) Power, n Achievement, and n Affiliation using Winter's (1991) integrated scoring system that provided detailed information about the motive profiles of individual picture cues. In general, picture cues differed strongly from each other with regard to how many scorable instances of power, achievement, or affiliation imagery they elicited. The n Affiliation, but not n Power, n Achievement, or activity inhibition-a measure of impulse control-was found to be higher in (a) women than in men and (b) individuals tested in a group than in individuals tested individually. TAT motive measures showed no significant overlap with questionnaire measures of motivational orientation (German Personality Research Form; Stumpf, Angleitner, Wieck, Jackson, & Beloch-Till, 1985) or traits (German NEO-Five-Factor Inventory; Borkenau & Ostendorf, 1993).
SPA : Almost Optimal Sequential Channel Sensing , Probing , Accessing in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this work, we address the spectrum utilization problem in cognitive radio (CR) networks, in which a CR can only utilize spectrum opportunities when the channel is idle. One challenge for a CR is to balance exploring new channels and exploiting existing channel, due to the fact that the channel availability and channel quality, potentially heterogeneous and time-dependent, are often unknown in advance due to the large number of channels, and the limited hardware capability of single CR. In this work, we propose practical joint sensing/probing/accessing schemes, which determine when to sense, probe and access spectrum opportunities. Our methods work for a general case when the channel rate distributions and availability are unknown and fluctuate over time, while previous methods need static known distributions. In our extensive experiments, we find the method proposed in [16] (called OSP here), which is optimal in homogeneous channel setting, does not perform well in the heterogeneous channel setting even channels’ rate distributions and availability are known in advance. On the other hand, although without knowing any channel information, our theoretical analysis and extensive simulation studies show that our SPA-scheme are almost throughput optimal, and perform almost an order of magnitude better than OSP in many settings.
In Vitro Effects of Albendazole Sulfoxide and Praziquantel against Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps Cysts

ABSTRACT We investigated the minimum exposure times of prazicuantel (PZQ) and albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) required for their activities against Taenia cysts in vitro as well as the 50 and 99% effective concentrations. The results showed that although the effects of both drugs are time and concentration dependent, ABZSO acts much slower and is less potent than PZQ.
Posterior Cramer-Rao Bound for Inertial Sensors Enhanced Mobile Positioning Under The Random Walk Motion Model

This letter presents a new posterior Cramér-Rao bound (PCRB) for inertial sensors enhanced mobile positioning, which performs hybrid data fusion of parameters including position estimates, pedestrian step size, pedestrian heading, and the knowledge of random walk motion model. Moreover, a non-matrix closed form of the PCRB is derived without position estimates. Finally, our numerical results show that when the accuracy of step size and heading measurements is high enough, the knowledge of random walk model becomes redundant.
Physical Functioning and Menopause States

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether losses in physical functioning are related to the natural menopause, hysterectomy, or calendar time during midlife, after adjustment for body size and smoking. METHODS: A longitudinal assessment of physical functioning was conducted from 2000/01 through 2005/06 in a population-based sample of 544 women at midlife enrolled in the Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism Study. Longitudinal mixed models were used to relate menopausal status to measures of physical functioning. Perception of physical functioning was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 questionnaire. Eight performance-based measures of physical functioning were also included. RESULTS: Women with hysterectomy (with or without estrogen from ovarian conservation or exogenous replacement) had reduced levels of functioning and greater rates of change in the 2-lb lift (P<.005), sit-to-stand (P<.01), timed stair climb (P<.01), timed walk (P<.01), velocity (P<.05), and perception of physical functioning (P<.01) compared with premenopausal and perimenopausal women after adjustment for time since baseline, body size, and smoking. Diminished functioning in postmenopausal women was observed in hand grip (P<.005), 2-lb lift (P<.05), sit-to-stand (P<.05), velocity (P<.05), and perceived physical functioning (P<.05). Based on regression analyses, there was greater loss in women with hysterectomy compared with natural menopause. Level of functioning among postmenopausal women with exogenous hormone replacement was similar to premenopausal women on eight of nine physical functioning measures. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy, even with availability of an estrogen source, seems to be a “risk” state for diminishing physical function at midlife, and this may initiate a vulnerable stage for future compromised quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Prognostic Value of VEGF in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Sorafenib: A Meta-Analysis

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by rich vascularization in the tumor, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays important roles in vascularization. The results of the roles of VEGF in predicting efficacy of sorafenib in HCC are conflicting. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the prognostic and predictive value of VEGF in HCC patients receiving sorafenib. Material/Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies. The baseline characteristics were recorded and overall qualities of the eligible studies were assessed by 2 reviewers independently. VEGF levels and data relevant to efficacy of sorafenib were extracted and used for meta-analysis. Results The comprehensive search yielded 9 studies that evaluated the relationship between VEGF level and clinical outcome in advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib. Pooled estimates suggested that high level of VEGF was associated with poor overall survival (HR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.24–2.77; P=0.003) and poor progression-free survival (HR=2.09; 95% CI: 1.43–3.05; P<0.01) in HCC. Mutation of VEGF had a favorable effect on hand-foot skin reaction in HCC patients treated with sorafenib (P<0.05). Conclusions High level of VEGF is associated with poor outcomes in HCC patients treated with sorafenib, indicating that VEGF could be used as an indicator of clinical efficacy in patients with HCC. However, more well-designed studies are needed to strengthen our findings.
Provable dimension detection using principal component analysis

We present simple algorithms for detecting the dimension k of a smooth manifold M ⊂ Rd from a set P of point samples, provided that P satisfies a standard sampling condition as in previous results. The best running time so far is O(d2O(k7 log k)) worst-case by Giesen and Wagner after the adaptive neighborhood graph is constructed in O(d|P|2) worst-case time. Given the adaptive neighborhood graph, for any l ≥ 1, our algorithm outputs the true dimension with probability at least 1-2-l in O(2O(k)kd(k + l log d)) expected time. Our experimental results validate the effectiveness of our approach in computing the dimension. A further advantage is that both the algorithm and its analysis can be generalized to the noisy case, in which outliers and a small perturbation of the samples are allowed.
Genetic and molecular control of osterix in skeletal formation

Osteoblast differentiation is a multi‐step process where mesenchymal cells differentiate into osteoblast lineage cells including osteocytes. Osterix (Osx) is an osteoblast‐specific transcription factor which activates a repertoire of genes during differentiation of preosteoblasts into mature osteoblasts and osteocytes. The essential role of Osx in the genetic program of bone formation and in bone homeostasis is well established. Osx mutant embryos do not form bone and fail to express osteoblast‐specific marker genes. Inactivation of Osx in mice after birth causes multiple skeletal phenotypes including lack of new bone formation, absence of resorption of mineralized cartilage, and defects in osteocyte maturation and function. Since Osx is a major effector in skeletal formation, studies on Osx gained momentum over the last 5–7 years and implicated its important function in tooth formation as well as in healing of bone fractures. This review outlines mouse genetic studies that establish the essential role of Osx in bone and tooth formation as well as in healing of bone fractures. We also discuss the recent advances in regulation of Osx expression, which is under control of a transcriptional network, signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation. Finally, we summarize important findings on the positive and negative regulation of Osx's transcriptional activity through protein–protein interactions in expression of its target genes during osteoblast differentiation. In particular, the identification of the histone demethylase NO66 as an Osx‐interacting protein, which negatively regulates Osx activity opens further avenues in studying epigenetic control of Osx target genes during differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 975–984, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Video Capsule Enteroscopy in the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES:Duodenal biopsy is the current gold standard for diagnosis of celiac disease. Videocapsule endoscopy examines the entire small bowel and allows visualization of mucosal villi. We evaluated the potential of videocapsule endoscopy in assessing the severity and extent of mucosal changes in patients with suspected celiac disease.METHODS:Consecutive patients with signs/symptoms suggesting celiac disease and positive anti-gliadin and/or anti-endomysial and/or anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy. Duodenal biopsies were classified according to modified Marsh's criteria. Capsule findings were evaluated for the presence of lesions compatible with celiac disease (scalloping of duodenal folds, fissures, flat mucosa, and mosaic appearance). RESULTS:Forty-three patients were studied. Duodenal histology was normal in 11 and compatible with celiac disease in 32. Using duodenal histology as the gold standard, the performance characteristics of capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of celiac disease were: sensitivity 87.5% (95% CI 76.1–98.9%), specificity 90.9% (95% CI 81.0–100%), positive predictive value 96.5% (95% CI 90.1–100%), negative predictive value 71.4% (95% CI 55.8–87%), positive and negative likelihood ratios 9.6 and 0.14, respectively. Eighteen patients had mucosal changes extending beyond the duodenum, involving the entire small bowel in three. These patients tended to have more severe symptoms, but the difference was not statistically significant. Interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of celiac disease by capsule endoscopy ranged between 79.2 and 94.4%; kappa values ranged between 0.56 and 0.87. CONCLUSIONS:Videocapsule endoscopy shows good sensitivity and excellent specificity for the detection of villous atrophy in patients with suspected celiac disease.
Design of a Multifunctional Wireless Sensor for In-Situ Monitoring of Debris Flows

Debris flows carrying saturated solid materials in water flowing downslopes often cause severe damage to the lives and properties in their path. Close monitoring and early warning are imperative to save lives and reduce damage. Current debris-flow-monitoring systems usually install sensor equipment along the riverbanks and mountain slopes to detect debris flows and track their data. Unfortunately, most of this equipment indirectly collects data only from a distance. So far, there is no way to understand what is happening inside a debris flow and to collect its internal parameters, not to mention doing this in real time. To answer this challenge, this paper presents a novel multifunctional wireless sensor for monitoring debris flows. The core idea is to let these sensors drift with the debris flow, to collect flow information as they move along, and to wirelessly transmit the collected data to base stations in real time. The design of such a sensor needs to address many challenging issues, including cost, deployment efforts, long-term standby, and fast reaction. This paper addresses these issues and reports our evaluation results.
Probabilistic Motor Sequence Yields Greater Offline and Less Online Learning than Fixed Sequence

It is well acknowledged that motor sequences can be learned quickly through online learning. Subsequently, the initial acquisition of a motor sequence is boosted or consolidated by offline learning. However, little is known whether offline learning can drive the fast learning of motor sequences (i.e., initial sequence learning in the first training session). To examine offline learning in the fast learning stage, we asked four groups of young adults to perform the serial reaction time (SRT) task with either a fixed or probabilistic sequence and with or without preliminary knowledge (PK) of the presence of a sequence. The sequence and PK were manipulated to emphasize either procedural (probabilistic sequence; no preliminary knowledge (NPK)) or declarative (fixed sequence; with PK) memory that were found to either facilitate or inhibit offline learning. In the SRT task, there were six learning blocks with a 2 min break between each consecutive block. Throughout the session, stimuli followed the same fixed or probabilistic pattern except in Block 5, in which stimuli appeared in a random order. We found that PK facilitated the learning of a fixed sequence, but not a probabilistic sequence. In addition to overall learning measured by the mean reaction time (RT), we examined the progressive changes in RT within and between blocks (i.e., online and offline learning, respectively). It was found that the two groups who performed the fixed sequence, regardless of PK, showed greater online learning than the other two groups who performed the probabilistic sequence. The groups who performed the probabilistic sequence, regardless of PK, did not display online learning, as indicated by a decline in performance within the learning blocks. However, they did demonstrate remarkably greater offline improvement in RT, which suggests that they are learning the probabilistic sequence offline. These results suggest that in the SRT task, the fast acquisition of a motor sequence is driven by concurrent online and offline learning. In addition, as the acquisition of a probabilistic sequence requires greater procedural memory compared to the acquisition of a fixed sequence, our results suggest that offline learning is more likely to take place in a procedural sequence learning task.
Identification of children's stuttered and nonstuttered speech by highly experienced judges: binary judgments and comparisons with disfluency-types definitions.

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were (a) to determine whether highly experienced clinicians and researchers agreed with each other in judging the presence or absence of stuttering in the speech of children who stutter and (b) to determine how those binary stuttered/nonstuttered judgments related to categorizations of the same speech based on disfluency-types descriptions of stuttering. METHOD Eleven highly experienced judges made binary judgments of the presence or absence of stuttering for 600 audiovisually recorded 5-s speech samples from twenty 2- to 8-year-old children who stuttered. These judgments were compared with each other and with disfluency-types judgments in multiple interval-by-interval assessments and by using multiple definitions of agreement. RESULTS Interjudge agreement for the highly experienced judges in the binary stuttered/nonstuttered task varied from 39.0% to 89.1%, depending on methods and definitions used. Congruence between binary judgments and categorizations based on disfluency types also varied depending on methods and definitions, from 21.6% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS Agreement among highly experienced judges, and congruence between their binary judgments of stuttering and categorizations based on disfluency types, were relatively high using some definitions and very low using others. These results suggest the use of measurement methods other than those based on disfluency types for quantifying or describing children's stuttering. They also suggest both the need for, and potential methods for, training to increase judges' accuracy and agreement in identifying children's stuttering.