Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introducing Privacy in Current Web Search Engines

During the last few years, the technological progress in collecting, storing and processing a large quantity of data for a reasonable cost has raised serious privacy issues. Privacy concerns many areas, but is especially important in frequently used services like search engines (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo! ). These services allow users to retrieve relevant content on the Internet by exploiting their personal data. In this context, developing solutions to enable users to use these services in a privacy-preserving way is becoming increasingly important. In this thesis, we introduce SimAttack an attack against existing protection mechanism to query search engines in a privacy-preserving way. This attack aims at retrieving the original user query. We show with this attack that three representative state-of-the-art solutions do not protect the user privacy in a satisfactory manner. We therefore develop PEAS a new protection mechanism that better protects the user privacy. This solution leverages two types of protection: hiding the user identity (with a succession of two nodes) and masking users' queries (by combining them with several fake queries). To generate realistic fake queries, PEAS exploits previous queries sent by the users in the system. Finally, we present mechanisms to identify sensitive queries. Our goal is to adapt existing protection mechanisms to protect sensitive queries only, and thus save user resources (e.g., CPU, RAM). We design two modules to identify sensitive queries. By deploying these modules on real protection mechanisms, we establish empirically that they dramatically improve the performance of the protection mechanisms.
Turbulence and transport suppression scaling with flow shear on the Large Plasma Devicea)

Continuous control over azimuthal flow and shear in the edge of the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) [W. Gekelman et al., Rev. Sci. Instr. 62, 2875 (1991)] has been achieved using a biasable limiter. This flow control has allowed a careful study of the effect of flow shear on pressure-gradient-driven turbulence and particle transport in LAPD. The combination of externally controllable shear in a turbulent plasma along with the detailed spatial diagnostic capabilities on LAPD makes the experiment a useful testbed for validation of shear suppression models. Motivated by these models, power-law fits are made to the density and radial velocity fluctuation amplitudes, particle flux, density-potential crossphase, and radial correlation length. The data show a break in the trend of these quantities when the shearing rate (γs=∂Vθ/∂r) is comparable to the turbulent decorrelation rate (1/τac). No one model captures the trends in the all turbulent quantities for all values of the shearing rate, but some models successfull.
The relationship between oscillatory EEG activity and the laminar-specific BOLD signal

Significance In this study, we demonstrate that α-, β-, and γ-oscillations can be related to activity in different cortical layers in the human brain. These cortical layers are believed to instantiate feedforward and feedback information streams. Electrophysiological oscillations in α- (8–12 Hz), β- (15–30 Hz), and γ- (40–100 Hz) bands have also been associated with different roles in feedforward and feedback processes and to different cortical layers in nonhuman animals. By simultaneously recording laminar functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG, we could directly link oscillatory signals to activity in cortical layers in humans. This research provides an important neural basis for noninvasive research into the role of cortical layers in information processing using laminar fMRI alone or combined with EEG. Electrophysiological recordings in animals have indicated that visual cortex γ-band oscillatory activity is predominantly observed in superficial cortical layers, whereas α- and β-band activity is stronger in deep layers. These rhythms, as well as the different cortical layers, have also been closely related to feedforward and feedback streams of information. Recently, it has become possible to measure laminar activity in humans with high-resolution functional MRI (fMRI). In this study, we investigated whether these different frequency bands show a differential relation with the laminar-resolved blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal by combining data from simultaneously recorded EEG and fMRI from the early visual cortex. Our visual attention paradigm allowed us to investigate how variations in strength over trials and variations in the attention effect over subjects relate to each other in both modalities. We demonstrate that γ-band EEG power correlates positively with the superficial layers’ BOLD signal and that β-power is negatively correlated to deep layer BOLD and α-power to both deep and superficial layer BOLD. These results provide a neurophysiological basis for human laminar fMRI and link human EEG and high-resolution fMRI to systems-level neuroscience in animals.
Dynamics of early locomotor network dysfunction following a focal lesion in an in vitro model of spinal injury

It is unclear how a localized spinal cord injury may acutely affect locomotor networks of segments initially spared by the lesion. To investigate the process of secondary damage following spinal injury, we used the in vitro model of the neonatal rat isolated spinal cord with transverse barriers at the low thoracic–upper lumbar region to allow focal application of kainate in hypoxic and aglycemic solution (with reactive oxygen species). The time‐course and nature of changes in spinal locomotor networks downstream of the lesion site were investigated over the first 24 h, with electrophysiological recordings monitoring fictive locomotion (alternating oscillations between flexor and extensor motor pools on either side) and correlating any deficit with histological alterations. The toxic solution irreversibly suppressed synaptic transmission within barriers without blocking spinal reflexes outside. This effect was focally associated with extensive white matter damage and ventral gray neuronal loss. Although cell losses were < 10% outside barriers, microglial activation with neuronal phagocytosis was detected. Downstream motor networks still generated locomotor activity 24 h later when stimulated with N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and serotonin, but not with repeated dorsal root stimuli. In the latter case, cumulative depolarization was recorded from ventral roots at a slower rate of rise, suggesting failure to recruit network premotoneurons. Our data indicate that, within the first 24 h of injury, locomotor networks below the lesion remained morphologically intact and functional when stimulated by NMDA and serotonin. Nevertheless, microglial activation and inability to produce locomotor patterns by dorsal afferent stimuli suggest important challenges to long‐term network operation.
Identification of a new genotype H wild‐type mumps virus strain and its molecular relatedness to other virulent and attenuated strains

A single clinical isolate of mumps virus designated 88‐1961 was obtained from a patient hospitalized with a clinical history of upper respiratory tract infection, parotitis, severe headache, fever and lymphadenopathy. We have sequenced the full‐length genome of 88‐1961 and compared it against all available full‐length sequences of mumps virus. Based upon its nucleotide sequence of the SH gene 88‐1961 was identified as a genotype H mumps strain. The overall extent of nucleotide and amino acid differences between each individual gene and protein of 88‐1961 and the full‐length mumps samples showed that the missense to silent ratios were unevenly distributed. Upon evaluation of the consensus sequence of 88‐1961, four positions were found to be clearly heterogeneous at the nucleotide level (NP 315C/T, NP 318C/T, F 271A/C, and HN 855C/T). Sequence analysis revealed that the amino acid sequences for the NP, M, and the L protein were the most conserved, whereas the SH protein exhibited the highest variability among the compared mumps genotypes A, B, and G. No identifying molecular patterns in the non‐coding (intergenic) or coding regions of 88‐1961 were found when we compared it against relatively virulent (Urabe AM9 B, Glouc1/UK96, 87‐1004 and 87‐1005) and non‐virulent mumps strains (Jeryl Lynn and all Urabe Am9 A substrains). J. Med. Virol. 70: 284–286, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Evaluation of Plaque Removal Efficacy of Five Commercially Available Toothbrushes: A Comparative Clinical Study

Background and Objectives – The aim of the study is to compare the plaque removal efficacy of five commercially available tooth brushes. Materials & Methods –The study group consisted of 75 subjects with age ranging 17 to 27 years distributed into five groups- Group A [Colgate Supershine], Group B [Colgate Zig zag], Group C [Oral B Allrounder], Group D [Oral B Fresh Clean], Group E [Pepsodent double action]. Study was single blinded, randomized clinical trial. Turesky- Gilmore- Glickmann Modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque Index and Modified Sulcular bleeding index were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Results – All brushes showed significant reduction in plaque score over 8 weeks. The percentage of plaque reduction from baseline to 4 weeks for Group A, B, C, D & E is 58.74, 61.95, 57.86, 50.28 & 53.59 respectively. The percentage of plaque reduction from baseline to 8 weeks for Group A, B, C, D & E is 67.83, 76.11, 62.86, 56.42 & 60.13 respectively. The percentage of plaque reduction from 4 weeks to 8 weeks for Group A, B, C, D & E is 22.03, 37.21, 11.86, 12.36 & 14.08 respectively. However, the reduction of plaque scores is greater in Group B [76%] when compared to other groups. Conclusion – Within the limitations of the study, the data derived from the study shows that all the tooth brushes has shown decrease in plaque scores. In comparison, Colgate Zig zag [Group B] has some beneficial effects in reduction of plaque scores.
Integrated cross-coupled chaos oscillator applied to random number generation

A new cross-coupled LC chaos oscillator suitable for IC realisation is presented. The proposed circuit was fabricated using a 0.35 mum CMOS process and test results showing its feasibility are given. As a possible application, a method for using the proposed oscillator as the core of a random number generator is described. Experimental binary data obtained according to the proposed method pass the four tests of FIPS-140-2, the full NIST-800-22 and DIEHARD random number test suites.
Inflammatory and Neuroimmunomodulatory Changes in Acute Cerebral Ischemia

Neuronal death produced by cerebral ischemia activates innate immunity by Toll-like receptors and triggers inflammatory response. This response is necessary to remove cell debris and to start regenerative process. However, inflammatory response could exacerbate cerebral damage and it is involved in secondary brain damage. Therefore, organisms have developed different mechanisms to regulate inflammatory response. An accurate balance between inflammation and anti-inflammation is necessary to assure the removal of cell debris and to avoid secondary cell damage. New therapeutic targets could be designed to obtain a correct modulation of the immune system and to reduce cerebral brain damage after cerebral ischemia. In this paper, we review the function of the immune system in cerebral ischemia, particularly inflammation and immunomodulation.
Preoperative hemodialysis fistula evaluation: angiography, ultrasonography and other studies, are they useful?

BACKGROUND There is increasing emphasis on optimizing fistula use for end-stage renal disease patients. Although early referral and strategies for vein preservation are clearly important, imaging modalities have assumed an ever-increasing role in preoperative vascular access assessment and management. METHODS/RESULTS Review of available literature demonstrates angiography and ultrasonography provide anatomic information useful in diagnostic decision-making in many clinical settings. Targeted clinical programs can increase fistula use, and various practice patterns have emerged to achieve this goal depending on the available expertise, center-dependent experience, and differing patient populations. In recent years there have been a series of studies evaluating provocative maneuvers assessing vascular mechanics that attempt to increase the predictive power of imaging modalities. Assessing arterial and venous mechanics may help predict outcomes and assist in preoperative planning. CONCLUSION In the quest to optimize fistula use, study results examining the value of angiography and ultrasonography demonstrate that there is currently no universal application of specific cut-offs on vessel diameter or even measures of distensibility and vessel mechanics. It is clear, however, that implementing programs that include imaging to increase fistula creation do achieve their goal. Conversely, in other settings, fistula failure rates have increased without significantly increasing the numbers of fistulae. The impact of preoperative diagnostic angiography and ultrasonography rests in part on identifying the underlying disease process involving arteries and veins that may change treatment decisions preoperatively. In many clinical settings where the dialysis population is becoming increasingly elderly, diabetic and with more vascular disease, these additional studies may be very useful. Given the variation in clinical study outcome and variations in patient populations, presently these methods will be used most effectively in the setting of strong quality assurance programs, and wherever feasible under study protocols for the purpose of improving practice patterns.
One-to-One Technology-Enhanced Learning: an Opportunity for Global Research Collaboration

Over the next 10 years, we anticipate that personal, portable, wirelessly-networked technologies will become ubiquitous in the lives of learners - indeed, in many countries, this is already a reality. We see that ready-to-hand access creates the potential for a new phase in the evolution of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), characterized by "seamless learning spaces" and marked by continuity of the learning experience across different scenarios (or environments), and emerging from the availability of one device or more per student ("one-to-one"). One-to-one TEL has the potential to "cross the chasm" from early adopters conducting isolated design studies to adoption-based research and widespread implementation, with the help of research and evaluation that gives attention to the digital divide and other potentially negative consequences of pervasive computing. We describe technology-enhanced learning and the affordances of one-to-one computing and outline a research agenda, including the risks and challenges of reaching scale. We reflect upon how this compares with prior patterns of technology innovation and diffusion. We also introduce a community, called "G1:1," that brings together leaders of major research laboratories and one-to-one TEL projects. We share a vision of global research, inviting other research groups to collaborate in ongoing activities.
Circularly Polarized Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Tapered Slot Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Applications

A low-cost wideband circularly polarized (CP) tapered slot antenna based on substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) is presented for millimeter-wave applications. After using two linearly symmetrical slots on the two sides of the SIW, a bandwidth from 80.1 to 108 GHz for both axial ratio <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$<$ </tex-math></inline-formula> 3 dB and VSWR <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$<$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 2 can be achieved. The measuring results also show that the antenna can generate good endfire radiation patterns and gain around 7.9 dBi over this bandwidth. The mechanism for exciting CP wave of the proposed antenna and the influence of the size of the metalized via holes of SIW are also analyzed. The proposed antenna was fabricated by the standard single-layered printed circuit board (PCB) technology, and the measured results agree reasonably with the simulated ones.
Contracts and Partnerships in the Outsourcing of IT

This paper reports on a recent research study concerning the outsourcing of information technology activities in the United Kingdom. The study involved a large survey and a set of detailed case studies based on large and medium sized organizations. In particular the issues of contracts and partnerships are examined, which is identified as one of the key elements in successful outsourcing. The authors show the variety of approaches and perceptions that exist concerning these issues, and conclude that there is much misunderstanding, particularly in relation to partnership. The paper concludes by creating a framework for helping to identify and examine the interrelationship between contractual arrangements, the required degree of contractual definition, and the characteristics of the area being outsourced.
Effect of HIV infection in the micronuclei frequency on the oral mucosa

BACKGROUND The genotoxic impact of HIV infection on the oral cavity malignancies is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HIV infection in micronucleus (MN) frequency on the oral mucosa of HIV+ patients and establish a relationship with early cytogenetic changes in oral carcinogenesis. METHODS Thirty HIV+ individuals who are under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 30 non-HIV patients were evaluated. Two smears were taken from the lateral border of the tongue and mouth floor and stained by Feulgen. The frequency of MN was examined in 3000 cells per subject under common microscopy. RESULTS MN analysis showed no significant difference between groups by Mann-Whitney U-test for total MNs (P = 0.178). The presence of single MN was greater in control group with statistical significance (P = 0.009), while in HIV group, multiple MNs were exhibited in higher mean. CONCLUSIONS HIV patients under HAART therapy and low viral load values showed higher frequency of multiple MNs, which, although not statistically significant, may be caused by the action of the Vpr gene, an accessory gene of HIV. These results corroborate the theory of HIV infection cytogenetic damage.
Bit per Joule efficiency of cooperating base stations in cellular networks

Energy consumption is lately receiving increased interest, and research efforts to assess the energy efficiency of cellular communication networks are made. This paper addresses the tradeoffs between gains in cell throughput that can be expected from coordinated multi point transmission and reception technologies and the increased energy consumption that they induce in cellular base stations. We explicitly consider effective transmission rates, taking into account the additional pilot, control and feedback overhead required for CoMP schemes, and determine the bit per Joule efficiency of network models for common propagation parameters under varying network densities and cooperation cluster sizes.
The Impact of Acquisitions on the Performance of Existing Organizational Units in the Acquiring Firm: The Case of an Agribusiness Company

Companies frequently expand their production capacity through the acquisition of new organizational units. This study analyzes how the performance of existing units is affected by the acquisition of another unit. The research focuses on three mechanisms: managerial distraction, resource transfer, and knowledge sharing. These mechanisms are studied in the context of existing units and acquired units with different levels of proximity and similarity between them. Using a detailed data set from an agribusiness company, empirical analysis shows that after an acquisition event there is a temporary decrease in the performance of existing units that are geographically proximate to the acquired unit. Data analysis also shows that after an acquisition event there is an increase in the performance of existing units that have similar characteristics to the acquired unit. In this latter case, the rate of increase in performance diminishes over time. This research demonstrates that the acquisition of an organizational unit can have differing dynamic effects on different parts of the organization. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Changing Demographics and State Fiscal Outlook: the Case of Sales Taxes

Broad-scale demographic changes have implications for state and local finance in terms of the composition of the base of revenue sources and their yields. This article examines the effect of such changes on the potential future yield of consumption-based taxes. The effect of household characteristics and composition on the con sumption of selected groups of goods subject to ad valorem retail sales taxes is estimated, generating demographic elasticities of consumption. These elasticities are applied to projected demographic changes in eight states through the year 2000. The results show rather wide variation in expected consumption shifts and potential tax bases across the states, with income growth having the greatest effect, as expected. Excluding the effects of income and population change, the expected real growth in the consumption base is varied over states. It remains to be seen whether state and local tax structures can or will adjust to capitalize on their potential and whether this growth will be sufficient to offset expenditure pressures likely associated with these demographic shifts.
THERMOPATHOLOGY OF BREAST CANCER: MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF IN VIVO TEMPERATURE AND BLOOD FLOW

Various methods are now available for clinical exploration of the breast. The most commonly used methods provide information essentially on morphology and structure, including macroscopic data (palpation, radiography, echography) and microscopic data (cytology, histology). By contrast, the thermal methods, among them skin thermography using infrared scanners or liquid crystals films, offer the advantage of giving information on thermophysiology. The superficial thermal pattern of the breast is in fact related to metabolism and vascularization within the underlying tissues. It may therefore be changed significantly as a result of normal phenomena (e.g., the menstrual cycle or pregnancy) or pathological processes. Because cancers vary so widely, not only in their histologic features but also in their physiological properties (e.g., the doubling time of tumors ranges from approximately 50 to 700 days), it would be regrettable to ignore the thermological dimension, which is related to the temporal properties of cancer. In spite of continuous progress in thermographic techniques as well as in standardization of examining conditions and image analysis, however, many physicians still hesitate to consider thermography as a useful tool in clinical practice. This attitude is somewhat amazing for those who have a long experience in thermography. It may be explained considering that physical and biological bases are not familiar to the physicians. All other methods of investigation refer to topics of medical teaching, e.g., radiography and echography to anatomy, or scintigraphy and biochemical assays to metabolic physiology. On the contrary, thermodynamics and thermokinetics are, for most physicians, strange sciences, though man is more or less unconsciously experiencing heat production and heat exchanges in every situation that he is undergoing. In the present state of the art, all options should be considered for developing research and teaching in thermopathology, starting from the basic knowledge of thermophysics and thermophysiology. This is certainly the only way of improving the acceptance of thermography by physicians and consequently by the health care authorities. Since we started with thermography 14 years ago, clinical and fundamental research have been simultaneously developed in our Laboratory of Biomedical