Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Attack Causality in Internet-Connected Cellular Networks

The emergence of connections between telecommunications networks and the Internet creates significant avenues for exploitation. For example, through the use of small volumes of targeted traffic, researchers have demonstrated a number of attacks capable of denying service to users in major metropolitan areas. While such investigations have explored the impact of specific vulnerabilities, they neglect to address a larger issue - how the architecture of cellular networks makes these systems susceptible to denial of service attacks. As we show in this paper, these problems have little to do with a mismatch of available bandwidth. Instead, they are the result of the pairing of two networks built on fundamentally opposing design philosophies. We support this a claim by presenting two new attacks on cellular data services. These attacks are capable of preventing the use of high-bandwidth cellular data services throughout an area the size of Manhattan with less than 200Kbps of malicious traffic. We then examine the characteristics common to these and previous attacks as a means of explaining why such vulnerabilites are artifacts of design rigidity. Specifically, we show that the shoehorning of data communications protocols onto a network rigorously optimized for the delivery of voice causes that network to fail under modest loads.
p53-Dependent subcellular proteome localization following DNA damage

The nucleolus is involved in regulating several aspects of stress responses and cell cycle arrest through the tumor suppressor p53. Under normal conditions, p53 is a short‐lived protein that is present in cells at a barely detectable level. Upon exposure of cells to various forms of exogenous stress, such as DNA damage, there is a stabilization of p53 which is then responsible for an ensuing cascade of events. To further investigate the effect of p53 activation, we used a MS‐based proteomics method to provide an unbiased, quantitative and high‐throughput approach for measuring the subcellular distribution of the proteome that is dependent on p53. The spatial proteomics method analyses a whole cell extract created by recombining differentially labeled subcellular fractions derived from cells in which proteins have been mass labeled with heavy isotopes [Boisvert, F. ‐M. , Lam, Y. W. , Lamont, D. , Lamond, A. I. , Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2010, 9, 457–470]. This was used here to measure the relative distribution between cytoplasm, nucleus and nucleolus of around 2000 proteins in HCT116 cells that are either expressing wild‐type p53 or null for p53. Spatial proteomics also facilitates a proteome‐wide comparison of changes in protein localization in response to a wide range of physiological and experimental perturbations. We used this method to study differences in protein localization in HCT116 cells either with or without p53, and studied the differences in cellular response to DNA damage following treatment of HCT116 cells with etoposide in both p53 wild‐type and null genetic backgrounds.
Coating of bioceramic microneedles

Needle injections can be troublesome and painful and the oral and transdermal delivery route does not suit all types of drugs. Microneedles (MNs) are an alternative to painlessly facilitate intraand transdermal drug delivery and expand the spectra of drug types that can be delivered through the skin. Among the various materials that can be used to fabricate MNs, bioceramics could be a good alternative. This painless delivery method can e.g. be a good way to deliver sedatives and analgesia to paediatric patients. In these cases, where a rapid onset of action is desired, coated MNs containing potent drugs can enable a rapid release of a bolus dose. In this study coating formulations including polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Kollicoat®IR) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) were drop-coated on to MNs made of the bioceramic material calcium sulfate to explore how the coatings settled on the MNs. Release studies of sodium salicylate (SS) were performed with the formulations including the compositions that had shown the most promising distribution on the MNs. The distribution of the coatings on the MNs varied with different compositions. PEG diffused deepest down into the MNs. Pre-treating the MNs with PEG enabled the Kollicoat®IR and NaCMC formulations in this study to form thicker layers upon the MNs compared to non-pretreated MNs. Pre-treating the MNs with PEG may have induced a faster average release of SS from NaCMC and Kollicoat®IR coated MNs. However, this could not be confirmed as statistically significant at an appropriate significance level, thus further research with more replicates are needed. When pipetting 20 μl of the coatings on the MNs by hand, the needle tips can remain sharp, but more suitable coating methods are still needed to enable a uniform coting located on the needles only.
A spatial-temporal correlation model for high mobility wireless channels

Existing channel modeling method may not apply well to the high mobility communication scenarios, such as the high speed railway communications, as they implicitly overlook the dynamic of ambient objects, or, the variation of local scattering caused by the very fast changing of mobile station locations. In this paper, we propose an HSR fading channel model by characterizing the time-dependent evolution of ambient scattering under linear mobility, and analyze the spatial and temporal channel correlation as a function of both the distribution of surrounding objects and the moving speed. Several useful insights are provided. The results would shed some light on the design of high mobility communication systems.
Exploring Organizational Level Continuance of Cloud-Based Enterprise Systems

As cloud computing has become a mature technology broadly being adopted by companies across all industries, cloud service providers are increasingly turning their attention to retaining their customers. However, only little research has been conducted on investigating the antecedents of service continuance in an organizational context. To address this gap in research, we carried out a quantitative-empirical study. We developed a conceptual model that builds on previous research on organizational level continuance. We tested this model, using survey data gathered from IT decision makers of companies which have adopted cloud enterprise systems. The data was analyzed using PLS. The results show that continuance intention can be predicted both by socio-organizational and technology-related factors, explaining 55.9 % of the dependent variable’s variance. Besides cloud specific findings, the study also enhances knowledge in the area of organizational level system continuance as well as its connection to IS success.
An optimization-based approach to fusion of multi-exposure, low dynamic range images

The problem of compositing a high dynamic range (HDR) image for display on a standard low dynamic range device involves matte-based fusion of multiple images captured with different camera exposures, followed by a suitable tone mapping of the fused HDR image. The fused image should represent the entire scene in a clear, well-exposed manner by bringing the under- and over-exposed regions from the input images into the display range of the device while preserving the local contrast. We define matting as a multi-objective optimization problem based on these desired characteristics of the output, and provide the solution using an Euler-Lagrange technique. The proposed technique yields visually appealing fused images with a high value of contrast. Our technique produces the fused image of a low dynamic range, and thus it eliminates the need for generation of an intermediate HDR image and associated tone mapping. Additionally, our technique does not require any knowledge of the camera response functions or exposure settings.
Testicular toxicity and sperm quality following cadmium exposure in rats: Ameliorative potentials of Allium cepa

AIMS: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Allium cepa crude extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 6). Group 1 was used as control, group 2 was administered 0.3 mg/kgBW of cadmium sulfate (CdSO4) intraperitoneally for 3 days, group 3 was pretreated with 1 ml/100 g BW of Allium cepa (AcE) for 8 weeks followed by intraperitoneal administration of 0.3 mg/kgBW of CdSO4 in the last 3 days of experiment, and group 4 was administered 1 ml/100 g BW of AcE throughout the experiment. Testicular weight and semen analysis revealing the sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology was carried out. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, and lipid peroxidation status were also carried out in testes. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that Allium cepa ameliorated CdSO4–induced alteration in testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. It also showed that Allium cepa attenuated the derangement of lipid peroxidation profile in testicular tissues caused by CdSO4 exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the study showed that pre-treatment of rat model with Allium cepa extract prevented CdSO4–induced reproductive toxicity by improving sperm quality and enhancing testicular lipid peroxidation status.
Rhesus macaque θ‐defensin isoforms: expression, antimicrobial activities, and demonstration of a prominent role in neutrophil granule microbicidal activities

Mammalian defensins are cationic, antimicrobial peptides that play a central role in innate immunity. The peptides are composed of three structural subfamilies: α‐, β‐, and θ‐defensins. θ‐Defensins are macrocyclic octadecapeptides expressed only in Old World monkeys and Orangutans and are produced by the pair‐wise, head‐to‐tail splicing of nonapeptides derived from their respective precursors. The existence of three active θ‐defensin genes predicts that six different RTDs (1–6) are produced in this species. In this study, we isolated and quantified RTDs 1–6 from the neutrophils of 10 rhesus monkeys. RTD‐1 was the most abundant θ‐defensin, constituting ∼50% of the RTD content; total RTD content varied by as much as threefold between animals. All peptides tested were microbicidal at ∼1 μM concentrations. The contribution of θ‐defensins to macaque neutrophil antimicrobial activity was assessed by analyzing the microbicidal properties of neutrophil granule extracts after neutralizing θ‐defensin content with a specific antibody. θ‐Defensin neutralization markedly reduced microbicidal activities of the corresponding extracts. Macaque neutrophil granule extracts had significantly greater microbicidal activity than those of human neutrophils, which lack θ‐defensins. Supplementation of human granule extracts with RTD‐1 markedly increased the microbicidal activity of these preparations, further demonstrating a prominent microbicidal role for θ‐defensins.
Voltage Sensor Movement and cAMP Binding Allosterically Regulate an Inherently Voltage-independent Closed−Open Transition in HCN Channels

The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated cation (HCN) channels are regulated by both membrane voltage and the binding of cyclic nucleotides to a cytoplasmic, C-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD). Here we have addressed the mechanism of this dual regulation for HCN2 channels, which activate with slow kinetics that are strongly accelerated by cAMP, and HCN1 channels, which activate with rapid kinetics that are weakly enhanced by cAMP. Surprisingly, we find that the rate of opening of HCN2 approaches a maximal value with extreme hyperpolarization, indicating the presence of a voltage-independent kinetic step in the opening process that becomes rate limiting at very negative potentials. cAMP binding enhances the rate of this voltage-independent opening step. In contrast, the rate of opening of HCN1 is much greater than that of HCN2 and does not saturate with increasing hyperpolarization over the voltage range examined. Domain-swapping chimeras between HCN1 and HCN2 reveal that the S4–S6 transmembrane region largely determines the limiting rate in opening kinetics at negative voltages. Measurements of HCN2 tail current kinetics also reveal a voltage-independent closing step that becomes rate limiting at positive voltages; the rate of this closing step is decreased by cAMP. These results are consistent with a cyclic allosteric model in which a closed–open transition that is inherently voltage independent is subject to dual allosteric regulation by voltage sensor movement and cAMP binding. This mechanism accounts for several properties of HCN channel gating and has potentially important physiological implications.
Effects of Geometrical Discontinuities on Distributed Passive Intermodulation in Printed Lines

This paper presents the results of experimental study of passive intermodulation (PIM) generation in microstrip lines with U-shaped and meandered strips, impedance tapers, and strips with the profiled edges. It is shown that the geometrical discontinuities in printed circuits may have a noticeable impact on distributed PIM generation even when their effect is indiscernible in the linear regime measurements. A consistent interpretation of the observed phenomena has been proposed on the basis of the phase synchronism in the four-wave mixing process. The results of this study reveal new features of PIM production important for the design and characterization of low-PIM microstrip circuits.
Schizophrenic Patients’ Poor Perception in Personal Hygiene

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder, characterized by heterogeneous symptoms, including positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts) and negative symptoms (e.g., flattened affect, poverty of speech, and social withdrawal) [1]. Patients with Schizophrenia typically have poor grooming and self-care skills, which affect their social relationships and their chances of successful incorporation into their communities [2,3]. The characteristics of a negative syndrome in schizophrenic patients are blunted or restricted affect, poverty of speech, loss of drive, social and emotional withdrawal, and apathy. These are what are known as primary negative symptoms, and are a direct manifestation of the pathologic process. Poor grooming and impaired social relationships are secondary negative symptoms [4]. Personal hygiene is an important part of a cleansing process, and is the basis for establishing healthy relationships with family members and friends.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus subtypes 16 and 18 among Yemeni Patients with Cervical Cancer

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA tumor virus that causes epithelial proliferation. There are more than 100 HPV subtypes, of which 13 subtypes are regarded as high risk subtypes that can cause cancers of epithelial mucosal surfaces. High risk human papilloma viruses (HR-HPV) subtypes 16 and 18 plays a major role in the etiology of cervical cancer worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen for the existence of HPV16 and HPV18 among Yemeni women with cervical lesions. Methodology: Formalin fixed paraffin wax processed tissue blocks were retrieved for 200 patients (150 were previously diagnosed with cervical cancer and the remaining 50 were diagnosed with different benign conditions). Results: Of the 200 cervical cancer tissue specimens, HR-HPV 16 was identified in 74/200 (37%) samples and couldn’t be recognized in 126/200(63%) tissue samples. HR-HPV 18 was identified in 32/200 (16%) specimens and couldn’t be recognized in 168/200(84%) tissue specimens. Conclusion: HR-HPV subtypes were prevalent among Yemeni women with cervical cancer, with significant increase of HR-HPV subtype 16 over the HR-HPV subtype 18.
Engaging Communities With a Simple Tool to Help Increase Immunization Coverage

Use of a simple, publicly placed tool that monitors vaccination coverage in a community has potential to broaden program coverage by keeping both the community and the health system informed about every infant's vaccination status. Use of a simple, publicly placed tool that monitors vaccination coverage in a community has potential to broaden program coverage by keeping both the community and the health system informed about every infant's vaccination status. ABSTRACT The level of vaccination coverage in a given community depends on both service factors and the degree to which the public understands and trusts the immunization process. This article describes an approach that aims to raise awareness and boost demand. Developed in India, the “My Village Is My Home” (MVMH) tool, known as Uma Imunizasaun (UI) in Timor-Leste, is a poster-sized material used by volunteers and health workers to record the births and vaccination dates of every infant in a community. Introduction of the tool in 5 districts of India (April 2012 to March 2013) and in 7 initial villages in Timor-Leste (beginning in January 2012) allowed community leaders, volunteers, and health workers to monitor the vaccination status of every young child and guided reminder and motivational visits. In 3 districts of India, we analyzed data on vaccination coverage and timeliness before and during use of the tool; in 2 other districts, analysis was based only on data for new births during use of the tool. In Timor-Leste, we compared UI data from the 3 villages with the most complete data with data for the same villages from the vaccination registers from the previous year. In both countries, we also obtained qualitative data about perceptions of the tool through interviews with health workers and community members. Assessments in both countries found evidence suggesting improved vaccination timeliness and coverage. In India, pilot communities had 80% or higher coverage of identified and eligible children for all vaccines. In comparison, overall coverage in the respective districts during the same time period was much lower, at 49% to 69%. In Timor-Leste, both the number of infants identified and immunized rose substantially with use of the tool compared with the previous year (236 vs. 155, respectively, identified as targets; 185 vs. 147, respectively, received Penta 3). Although data challenges limit firm conclusions, the experiences in both countries suggest that “My Village Is My Home” is a promising tool that has the potential to broaden program coverage by marshalling both community residents and health workers to track individual children's vaccinations. Three states in India have adopted the tool, and Timor-Leste had also planned to scale-up the initiative.
Tracheobronchial air-liquid interface cell culture: a model for innate mucosal defense of the upper airways?

Human tracheobronchial epithelial cells grown in air-liquid interface culture have emerged as a powerful tool for the study of airway biology. In this study, we have investigated whether this culture system produces “mucus” with a protein composition similar to that of in vivo, induced airway secretions. Previous compositional studies of mucous secretions have greatly underrepresented the contribution of mucins, which are major structural components of normal mucus. To overcome this limitation, we have used a mass spectrometry-based approach centered on prior separation of the mucins from the majority of the other proteins. Using this approach, we have compared the protein composition of apical secretions (AS) from well-differentiated primary human tracheobronchial cells grown at air-liquid interface and human tracheobronchial normal induced sputum (IS). A total of 186 proteins were identified, 134 from AS and 136 from IS; 84 proteins were common to both secretions, with host defense proteins being predominant. The epithelial mucins MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 and the gel-forming mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC were identified in both secretions. Refractometry showed that the gel-forming mucins were the major contributors by mass to both secretions. When the composition of the IS was corrected for proteins that were most likely derived from saliva, serum, and migratory cells, there was considerable similarity between the two secretions, in particular, in the category of host defense proteins, which includes the mucins. This shows that the primary cell culture system is an important model for study of aspects of innate defense of the upper airways related specifically to mucus consisting solely of airway cell products.
Age dependency of trauma-induced neocortical epileptogenesis

Trauma and brain infection are the primary sources of acquired epilepsy, which can occur at any age and may account for a high incidence of epilepsy in developing countries. We have explored the hypothesis that penetrating cortical wounds cause deafferentation of the neocortex, which triggers homeostatic plasticity and lead to epileptogenesis (Houweling etal., 2005). In partial deafferentation experiments of adult cats, acute seizures occurred in most preparations and chronic seizures occurred weeks to months after the operation in 65% of the animals (Nita etal., 2006,2007; Nita and Timofeev, 2007). Similar deafferentation of young cats (age 8–12 months) led to some acute seizures, but we never observed chronic seizure activity even though there was enhanced slow-wave activity in the partially deafferented hemisphere during quiet wakefulness. This suggests that despite a major trauma, the homeostatic plasticity in young animals was able to restore normal levels of cortical excitability, but in fully adult cats the mechanisms underlying homeostatic plasticity may lead to an unstable cortical state. To test this hypothesis we made an undercut in the cortex of an elderly cat. After several weeks this animal developed seizure activity. These observations may lead to an intervention after brain trauma that prevents epileptogenesis from occurring in adults.
OPPORTUNITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AS A COGNITIVE PROCESS OF ALIGNMENT : EVIDENCE FROM VERBAL PROTOCOLS

Following the works of Shane and Venkataraman (2000), the concept of opportunity has become the focus of a growing body of research at the interface of management, strategy and entrepreneurship (e.g., Eckhardt & Shane, 2003; Gartner et al., 2003). Interestingly, there is also a long tradition of research in managerial cognition that looks at the relationship between managers categorization of environmental stimuli as threats or opportunities, and the ensuing response of a firm (e.g., Barr, 1998; Chattopadhyay et al., 2001; Dutton & Jackson, 1987). In both literatures, however, an important question remains as to what specific cognitive processes enable entrepreneurs/managers to interpret new information as signaling an opportunity. In a series of recent presentations and papers, Baron proposed that opportunity recognition involves the recognition of complex patterns (Baron, 2006) While the proposition is relevant, it remains that to date, no empirical research has been conducted on any particular form of pattern recognition. As a result, research at the interface of management, organizational cognition, strategy and entrepreneurship is still limited in its understanding of the cognitive processes that enable individuals to identify, recognize and/or discover promising opportunities. To address this issue, we develop and test a model of opportunity acknowledgement as a cognitive process of structural alignment (Gentner, 1983; 1989). The model proposes that in reasoning about what to do with new technologies, entrepreneurs spontaneously seek to ‘align’ the superficial features and structural relationships of that technology to the superficial features and structural relationships of potential markets. We provide qualitative evidence in support of this model by conducting a verbal protocol experiment with two groups of expert entrepreneurs.