Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resisting Traitors in Linkable Democratic Group Signatures

Linkable democratic group signatures (LDGS) [29] allow every member of a group to trace the identity of any other member who issued a signature while non-members (with the help of unique pseudonyms) are only able to link the signatures issued by the same signer without being able to trace the signer's identity. LDGS avoid centralized management authorities (group managers) and grant each group member the power to trace and identify the signer. Although LDGS add nice properties to group signatures, allowing each member of the group to trace the signer's identity requires a full trust in each group member not to trace or disclose the identity of the signer without a legal reason (e.g. a dispute). Such a requirement represents a major obstacle in practice. The existence of at least one saboteur member inside the group totally violates the anonymity attribute which is the main merit of group signatures. Such a traitor may reveal the identity of the signers to non-members without being detected. In this paper we introduce a simple, yet efficient traitors resistant LDGS (TR-LDGS) as a security improvement to the LDGS scheme of [29] to resist traitors in the sense that, the power to trace and disclose the identity of the signer must not be in the hands of each member. Instead, the power to trace and identify a signer will be distributed among the members of the group such that a fraction (majority) of the members may join together to trace and reveal the signer's identity while no minority coalitions are able to perform this task or to disturb the correct and legal progress of this task.
Copy number variation in the genome; the human DMD gene as an example

Recent developments have yielded new technologies that have greatly simplified the detection of deletions and duplications, i.e., copy number variants (CNVs). These technologies can be used to screen for CNVs in and around specific genomic regions, as well as genome-wide. Several genome-wide studies have demonstrated that CNV in the human genome is widespread and may include millions of nucleotides. One of the questions that emerge is which sequences, structures and/or processes are involved in their generation. Using as an example the human DMD gene, mutations in which cause Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, we review the current data, determine the deletion and duplication profile across the gene and summarize the information that has been collected regarding their origin. In addition we discuss the methods most frequently used for their detection, in particular MAPH and MLPA.
The Clustering of XMM-Newton Hard X-Ray Sources

This Letter presents the clustering properties of hard (2-8 keV) X-ray-selected sources detected in a wide-field (≈2 deg2), shallow [fX(2-8 keV) ≈ 10-14 ergs cm-2 s-1], and contiguous XMM-Newton survey. We perform an angular correlation function analysis using a total of 171 sources to the above flux limit. We detect an ~4 σ correlation signal out to 300'' with w(θ < 300′′) ≃ 0.13 ± 0.03. Modeling the two-point correlation function as a power law of the form w(θ) = (θ0/θ)γ-1, we find θ0 = 48.9 arcsec and γ = 2.2 ± 0.30. Fixing the correlation function slope to γ = 1.8, we obtain θ0 = 22.2 arcsec. Using Limber's integral equation and a variety of possible luminosity functions of the hard X-ray population, we find a relatively large correlation length, ranging from r0 ~ 9 to 19 h-1 Mpc (for γ = 1.8 and the concordance cosmological model), with this range reflecting also different evolutionary models for the source luminosities and clustering characteristics. The relatively large correlation length is comparable to that of extremely red objects and luminous radio sources.
Improved detection of cystic fibrosis mutations in infertility patients with DNA sequence analysis.

BACKGROUND Accurate determination of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is critical for genetic counselling and treatment of obstructive azoospermia. Of concern is that detection rates with routine CFTR mutation panels vary widely depending on patient ancestry; and such panels have limited value for azoospermic patients, who are more likely to carry rare mutations. An alternative approach offers comprehensive, CFTR mutation analysis by a DNA sequence method. We investigated whether this method could improve CFTR detection rates in men with obstructive azoospermia in a prospective study of men with obstructive azoospermia and their partners who were referred for genetic counselling and testing at one of two institutions. METHODS Sixteen patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD, n = 14) or idiopathic obstructive azoospermia (n = 2) were studied. DNA from all patients was analysed for mutations by the DNA sequence method. In addition to this method, six men underwent CFTR analysis by a common 25 or 31 mutation panel coupled with poly T analysis. In 10 subjects, common mutation panel findings were inferred from DNA sequence method results. RESULTS Overall, 12/16 (75%) azoospermic patients had one or more CFTR mutations and/or 5T alleles, including 12 mutations in 10 patients (two compound heterozygotes) and seven 5T alleles in six patients (one homozygote). The sequence method detected all mutations and three variants of unknown significance. By comparison, the common mutation panels detected only 3/12 mutations (25%) and 0/3 variants. CONCLUSION The DNA sequence method detects more CFTR mutations than common mutation panels. Given the serious, clinical consequences of transmitting such mutations, this study underscores the importance of accurate, CFTR mutation detection in men with obstructive azoospermia and their partners.
Effects of animation, user-controlled interactions, and multiple static views in understanding 3D structures

Visualizations of 3D spatial structures use various techniques such as user controlled interactions or 2D projection views to convey the structure to users. Researchers have shown that motion cues can help assimilate the structure of 3D spatial data, particularly for discerning occluded parts of the objects. However, motion cues or smooth animations also have costs - they increase the viewing time. What remains unclear is whether any one particular viewing time. What remains unclear is whether any one particular viewing modality allows users to understand and operate on the 3D structure as effectively as a combination of 2D and 3D static views. To assess the effectiveness of understanding 3D structures, we carried out three experiments. In all three experiments we evaluated the effectiveness of perceiving 3D structures with either self controlled interactions, animated transitions, and 2D+3D static views. In the first experiment, subjects were given a task to estimate the relative distances of objects in a 3D scene. In the second experiment, subjects made judgements to discern and identify the existence of differences between 3D objects. In the third experiment, participants were required to reconstruct a 3D spatial structure based on the 3D models presented to them. Results of the three experiments reveal that participants were more accurate and performed the spatial tasks faster with smooth animations and self-controlled interactions than with 2D+3D static views. Our results overall suggest that the costs involved in interacting or animating a 3D spatial structure are significantly outweighed by the perceptual benefits derived from viewing and interacting in these modes of presentation.
The Effectiveness of Fisher’s Rebuilding Group Intervention on Divorce Adjustment and General Health of Iranian Divorced Women

ABSTRACT This research explores the effects of participating in the Rebuilding Seminar on postdivorce adjustment and the general health of divorced women in Arak, Iran. For this quasi-experimental study, 15 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Prior to the participation in group intervention, participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, the Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale (FDAS), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28). Participants then completed the 10 weekly, 2-hour group intervention program. After the completion of the group intervention, postintervention questionnaires were administered. Results indicate that this particular educational program affected adjustment in participants on all subscales of the FDAS, except for social self-worth. The results also suggest that the intervention program was effective on all subscales of the GHQ–28, except for somatic symptoms. Due to numerous changes in the life of divorced women and the stressful nature of divorce, designing and implementing effective intervention plans seems necessary and constructive.
The big five personality traits and uses of music: A replication in Malaysia using structural equation modeling.

The current study set out to replicate and extend a recent paper (Chamorro-Premuzic & Furnham, 2007) on personality and uses of music using structural equation modeling. Responses to questionnaire data from 227 Malaysian university students showed that, in line with our hypotheses, individuals higher in Neuroticism were more likely to use music for emotional regulation (influencing their mood states), Extraversion positively predicted use of music as background or for distraction, and Openness to Experience predicted cognitive use of music. However, contrary to the target paper, Conscientiousness did not predict use of music for emotional regulation and Extraversion was positively rather than negatively linked with that use of music. Results are discussed in terms of the generalizability of previous findings on the Big Five as determinants of uses of music.
Generic Rigidity Matroids with Dilworth Truncations

We prove that the linear matroid that defines generic rigidity of $d$-dimensional body-rod-bar frameworks (i.e., structures consisting of disjoint bodies and rods mutually linked by bars) can be obtained from the union of ${d+1 \choose 2}$ graphic matroids by applying variants of Dilworth truncation $n_r$ times, where $n_r$ denotes the number of rods. This leads to an alternative proof of Tay's combinatorial characterizations of generic rigidity of rod-bar frameworks and that of identified body-hinge frameworks.
La mémoire, ses aspects sociaux et collectifs

La question de l'effacement des traces du passe, comme celle de la conservation des souvenirs renvoient a des problematiques qui interessent la psychologie sociale. L'objet du chapitre est de presenter les differents courants et etudes actuelles qui traitent de la memoire sous ses aspects sociaux et collectif et de proposes quelques pistes de reflexion.
Prevention of Tumor Growth Driven by PIK3CA and HPV Oncogenes by Targeting mTOR Signaling with Metformin in Oral Squamous Carcinomas Expressing OCT3

Most squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) exhibit a persistent activation of the PI3K–mTOR signaling pathway. We have recently shown that metformin, an oral antidiabetic drug that is also used to treat lipodystrophy in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals, diminishes mTOR activity and prevents the progression of chemically induced experimental HNSCC premalignant lesions. Here, we explored the preclinical activity of metformin in HNSCCs harboring PIK3CA mutations and HPV oncogenes, both representing frequent HNSCC alterations, aimed at developing effective targeted preventive strategies. The biochemical and biologic effects of metformin were evaluated in representative HNSCC cells expressing mutated PIK3CA or HPV oncogenes (HPV+). The oral delivery of metformin was optimized to achieve clinical relevant blood levels. Molecular determinants of metformin sensitivity were also investigated, and their expression levels were examined in a large collection of HNSCC cases. We found that metformin inhibits mTOR signaling and tumor growth in HNSCC cells expressing mutated PIK3CA and HPV oncogenes, and that these activities require the expression of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3/SLC22A3), a metformin uptake transporter. Coexpression of OCT3 and the mTOR pathway activation marker pS6 were observed in most HNSCC cases, including those arising in HIV+ patients. Activation of the PI3K–mTOR pathway is a widespread event in HNSCC, including HPV− and HPV+ lesions arising in HIV+ patients, all of which coexpress OCT3. These observations may provide a rationale for the clinical evaluation of metformin to halt HNSCC development from precancerous lesions, including in HIV+ individuals at risk of developing HPV− associated cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 8(3); 197–207. ©2015 AACR.
Maternal and Paternal History of Myocardial Infarction and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men and Women

Background— Few studies have examined the effects of paternal and maternal history of myocardial infarction (MI), including age at MI, on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly among women. Methods and Results— We prospectively studied 22 071 men from the Physicians’ Health Study and 39 876 women from the Women’s Health Study with data on parental history and age at MI. Among men, 2654 CVD cases developed over 13.0 years; among women, 563 CVD cases occurred over 6.2 years. Compared with men with no parental history, only maternal, only paternal, and both maternal and paternal history of MI conferred relative risks (RRs) of CVD of 1.71, 1.40, and 1.85; among women, the respective RRs were 1.46, 1.15, and 2.05. For men, maternal age at MI of <50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and ≥80 years had RRs of 1.00, 1.88, 1.88, 1.67, and 1.17; for women, the RRs for maternal age at MI of <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years were 2.57, 1.33, and 1.52. Paternal age at MI of <50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and ≥80 years in men had RRs of 2.19, 1.64, 1.42, 1.16, and 0.92; in women, for paternal age at MI of <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, the RRs were 1.63, 1.33, and 1.13. Conclusions— An early history of parental MI (<60 years) conferred a greater risk of CVD than did MI at older ages. However, an increased risk of CVD remained for maternal age at MI of 70 to 79 years in men and ≥60 years in women, which suggests that any maternal history of MI may be important.
CD40 is expressed on ovarian cancer cells and can be utilized for targeting adenoviruses.

PURPOSE CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is widely expressed on various cell types in addition to hematopoietic cells. Recent studies show that CD40 expression is related to several carcinomas, although its role in cancer pathobiology is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate the expression of CD40 on several ovarian carcinoma cell lines and the ability of CD40 to mediate targeted adenoviral infection in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CD40 expression on ovarian cancer cell lines and clinical patient samples was examined by reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometry. To study the utilization of CD40 for gene delivery, we precomplexed a luciferase coding adenovirus (Ad), Ad5luc1, with a CD40-targeting molecule (CAR/G28). RESULTS According to our studies, all of the examined ovarian cancer cell lines are expressing CD40. In addition, mRNA for CD40 was detected in every primary tumor sample, suggesting that CD40 is also expressed in vivo. Compared with nontargeted Ad, gene transfer was increased up to 40-fold in CD40+ cells when CD40-targeted Ad was used. Supporting the relation of targeted system to CD40, increasing the amount of targeting fusion protein results in dose response. Furthermore, blockade of CD40 receptors on cell surface decreases the infectability of CD40+ cells with CD40-targeted virus, indicating the specificity of the targeting system for CD40. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CD40 is present in ovarian cancer cells and can be used for targeted gene delivery in a CAR-independent manner, circumventing the problem of the low expression levels of CAR in various cancer cells.
The Affect of Familiarity on the Usability of Recognition-Based Graphical Passwords: Cross Cultural Study between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom

Recognition-based graphical password have been proposed as an alternative to overcome the drawbacks of the alphanumeric password in user authentication. A web-based study was performed to determine the cultural impact on the usability of recognition-based graphical password. A number of participants (Saudi and British) selected their graphical passwords from a set of pictures representing different cultures. After three months, they were asked to login using their graphical passwords. For the registration stage, our results show that users were highly affected by their culture when they chose pictures for their graphical password. However, Saudis were significantly more affected by their culture than British. Also, there was no evidence that gender can affect the participant's choice when it comes to select graphical password from pictures belonging to their culture. For the authentication stage, the main results show that the memorability rate for graphical passwords consisting of only pictures belonging to participants' culture was higher than the memorability rate for graphical passwords consisted of pictures which did not belong to participants' culture. Also, there was no evidence that the participants, who had graphical passwords based on their cultures, will have less time to login than other participants, who had non-cultural based graphical passwords.
Therapeutic Efficacy of an ω-3-Fatty Acid-Containing 17-β Estradiol Nano-Delivery System against Experimental Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis and its consequences remain prevalent clinical challenges throughout the world. Initiation and progression of atherosclerosis involves a complex, dynamic interplay among inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction. A multicomponent treatment approach targeted for delivery within diseased vessels could prove beneficial in treating atherosclerosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the multimodal effects of a novel ω-3-fatty acid-rich, 17-β-estradiol (17-βE)-loaded, CREKA-peptide-modified nanoemulsion system on experimental atherosclerosis. In vitro treatment of cultured human aortic endothelial cells (ECs) with the 17-βE-loaded, CREKA-peptide-modified nanoemulsion system increased cellular nitrate/nitrite, indicating improved nitric oxide formation. In vivo, systemic administration of this nanoemulsion system to apolipoprotein-E knock out (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet significantly improved multiple parameters related to the etiology and development of occlusive atherosclerotic vasculopathy: lesion area, circulating plasma lipid levels, and expression of aortic-wall inflammatory markers. These salutary effects were attributed selectively to the 17-βE and/or ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid components of the nano-delivery system. At therapeutic doses, the 17-βE-loaded, CREKA-peptide modified nanoemulsion system appeared to be biocompatible in that it elicited no apparent adverse/toxic effects, as indexed by body weight, plasma alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels, and liver and kidney histopathology. The study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of a novel, 17-βE-loaded, CREKA-peptide-modified nanoemulsion system against atherosclerosis in a multimodal fashion by reducing lesion size, lowering the levels of circulating plasma lipids and decreasing the gene expression of inflammatory markers associated with the disease.
Excitatory Effects of the Puberty-Initiating Peptide Kisspeptin and Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Agonists Differentiate Two Distinct Subpopulations of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons

Activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR54 by kisspeptins during normal puberty promotes the central release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that, in turn, leads to reproductive maturation. In humans and mice, a loss of function mutations of GPR54 prevents the onset of puberty and leads to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility. Using electrophysiological, morphological, molecular, and retrograde-labeling techniques in brain slices prepared from vGluT2-GFP and GnRH-GFP mice, we demonstrate the existence of two physiologically distinct subpopulations of GnRH neurons. The first subpopulation is comprised of septal GnRH neurons that colocalize vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and green fluorescent protein and is insensitive to metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists, but is exquisitely sensitive to kisspeptin which closes potassium channels to dramatically initiate a long-lasting activation in neurons from prepubertal and postpubertal mice of both sexes. A second subpopulation is insensitive to kisspeptin but is uniquely activated by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists. These two physiologically distinct classes of GnRH cells may subserve different functions in the central control of reproduction and fertility.
Chronic IL9 and IL-13 Exposure Leads to an Altered Differentiation of Ciliated Cells in a Well-Differentiated Paediatric Bronchial Epithelial Cell Model

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by airways remodelling. In mouse models IL-9 and IL-13 have been implicated in airways remodelling including mucus hypersecretion and goblet cell hyperplasia. Their role, especially that of IL-9, has been much less studied in authentic human ex vivo models of the bronchial epithelium from normal and asthmatic children. We assessed the effects of IL-9, IL-13 and an IL-9/IL-13 combination, during differentiation of bronchial epithelial cells from normal (n = 6) and asthmatic (n = 8) children. Cultures were analysed for morphological markers and factors associated with altered differentiation (MUC5AC, SPDEF and MMP-7). IL-9, IL-9/IL-13 combination and IL-13 stimulated bronchial epithelial cells from normal children had fewer ciliated cells [14.8% (SD 8.9), p = 0.048, 12.4 (SD 6.1), p = 0.016 and 7.3% (SD 6.6), p = 0.031] respectively compared with unstimulated [(21.4% (SD 9.6)]. IL-9 stimulation had no effect on goblet cell number in either group whereas IL-9/IL-13 combination and IL-13 significantly increased goblet cell number [24.8% (SD 8.8), p = 0.02), 32.9% (SD 8.6), p = 0.007] compared with unstimulated normal bronchial cells [(18.6% (SD 6.2)]. All stimulations increased MUC5AC mRNA in bronchial epithelial cells from normal children and increased MUC5AC mucin secretion. MMP-7 localisation was dysregulated in normal bronchial epithelium stimulated with Th2 cytokines which resembled the unstimulated bronchial epithelium of asthmatic children. All stimulations resulted in a significant reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance values over time suggesting a role in altered tight junction formation. We conclude that IL-9 does not increase goblet cell numbers in bronchial epithelial cell cultures from normal or asthmatic children. IL-9 and IL-13 alone and in combination, reduce ciliated cell numbers and transepithelial electrical resistance during differentiation of normal epithelium, which clinically could inhibit mucociliary clearance and drive an altered repair mechanism. This suggests an alternative role for IL-9 in airways remodelling and reaffirms IL-9 as a potential therapeutic target.