Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A public-key based secure mobile IP

The need of scaleable key management support for Mobile IP, especially the route‐optimized Mobile IP, is well known. In this paper, we present the design and the implementation of a public key management system that can be used with IETF basic and route optimized Mobile IP. The system, known as the Mobile IP Security (MoIPS) system, was built upon a DNS based X.509 Public Key Infrastructure and the innovation in cross certification and zero‐message key generation. The system can supply cryptographic keys for authenticating Mobile IPv.4 location management messages and establishing IPSec tunnels for Mobile IP redirected packets. It can also be used to augment firewall traversal of Mobile IP datagrams. A FreeBSD UNIX implementation of the MoIPS prototype is available for non‐commercial uses.
Robot programming by human demonstration: adaptation and inconsistency in constrained motion

Robot programming by human demonstration is an intuitive programming method designed to facilitate short term robotic applications. The programmer demonstrates the task using a teaching gripper that measures the human's forces and positions, and a robot program is generated from the demonstration data. A direct approach to generating a robot program would be to simply duplicate the demonstrated trajectory, yet with this approach the robot would not be able to adapt to the environment and would also duplicate unnecessary motion included in the demonstration. This article presents an approach for identifying a range of acceptable robot force and motion trajectories from multiple human demonstrations. The resulting robot program can adapt to part misalignment in simple assembly tasks. In addition, inconsistent human motion is not duplicated by the robot, but rather is used to identify task accuracy requirements. The analysis is applied to simple assembly tasks consisting of 3D translation. For each segment of constrained motion, a range of robot compliance is identified that can adapt to part misalignment, and limit robot errors to the task accuracy requirements.
Initial experience of restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis by transanal total mesorectal rectal excision and single‐incision abdominal laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is well established for colon cancer, with defined benefits. Use of laparoscopy for the performance of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileoanal anastomosis is more controversial. Technical aspects include difficult dissection of the distal rectum and a potentially increased risk of anastomotic leakage through multiple firings of the stapler. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties we have used the technique of transanal rectal excision to perform the proctectomy. This paper describes the technique, which is combined with an abdominal approach using a single‐incision platform (SIP).
Designing efficient DSP datapaths through compiler-in-the-loop exploration methodology

This paper proposes a compiler-in-the-loop exploration framework during architectural DSP synthesis. We extend the conventional design space, considering code level transformations together with architectural level optimizations and their impact on the scheduled datapath. We show that the proposed methodology explores the design space more globally in comparison with existing methods. New trade-off points are revealed and Pareto curve shifting towards higher quality design solutions is performed.1
Dynamic analysis, active and passive vibration control of double-layer hourglass lattice truss structures

Although single-layer sandwich materials have been extensively studied in the engineering field, multilayered sandwich structures have rarely been concerned, especially on their dynamic analysis or vibration control. In this study, the dynamics of a double-layer hourglass sandwich beam is investigated by an improved method developed to simplify the calculations. The active vibration control is also analyzed. By using Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations are derived and the natural frequencies are calculated by our improved method. The results have been validated by comparing with the data obtained by traditional method, and finite element method. The contributions of both structural and material parameters on the dynamics of the double-layer sandwich beam are also investigated. The velocity feedback control method is employed to act as controllers on vibration suppressing of the sandwich structure actively. Further, nonlinear energy sink is used to control the vibration of the sandwich structure passively.
Position-Based Compressed Channel Estimation and Pilot Design for High-Mobility OFDM Systems

With the development of high-speed trains (HSTs) in many countries, providing broadband wireless services in HSTs is crucial. Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) has been widely adopted for broadband wireless communications due to its high spectral efficiency. However, OFDM is sensitive to the time selectivity caused by high-mobility channels, which costs much spectrum or time resources to obtain the accurate channel state information (CSI). Therefore, the channel estimation in high-mobility OFDM systems has been a long-standing challenge. In this paper, we first propose a new position-based high-mobility channel model, in which the HST's position information and Doppler shift are utilized to determine the positions of the dominant channel coefficients. Then, we propose a joint pilot placement and pilot symbol design algorithm for compressed channel estimation. It aims to reduce the coherence between the pilot signal and the proposed channel model and, hence, can improve channel estimation accuracy. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method performs better than existing channel estimation methods over high-mobility channels. Furthermore, we give an example of the designed pilot codebook to show the practical applicability of the proposed scheme.
Reconstruction of the Weight-Bearing Surface of the Foot with Nonneurosensory Free Flaps

Neurotized fasciocutaneous flaps and split-skin grafted muscle flaps are the most frequently used free flap alternatives for the reconstruction of weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. An objective comparison of the innate characteristics of these two flap types, with respect to long-term stability, has not been possible because sensory reinnervation in the fasciocutaneous flaps has been a confounding factor. This study compares nonsensate fasciocutaneous flaps (n = 9) with nonsensate split-skin grafted muscle flaps (n = 11), with mean follow-up periods of 34.3 and 31.3 months, respectively. Patients completed a form that included questions regarding degree of pain at the operative site, presence of ulcers, ability to wear normal shoes, employment status, and time spent standing on foot. Touch and deep sensation were evaluated with Semmes-Weinstein and vibration tests, respectively. Significantly less pain and less ulceration (p < 0.05) were observed in the fasciocutaneous group. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests revealed poorer results with split-skin grafted muscle flaps, compared with fasciocutaneous flaps. These results indicate that even if the sensory protection of fasciocutaneous flaps is not considered, these flaps have superior properties, compared with split-skin grafted muscle flaps.
Antagonism of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 2 causes a selective reduction of portal vein pressure in bile duct‐ligated rodents

Sinusoidal vasoconstriction, in which hepatic stellate cells operate as contractile machinery, has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. We investigated whether sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) stimulates contractility of those cells and enhances portal vein pressure in isolated perfused rat livers with Rho activation by way of S1P receptor 2 (S1P2). Rho and its effector, Rho kinase, reportedly contribute to the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. Thus, a potential effect of S1P2 antagonism on portal hypertension was examined. Intravenous infusion of the S1P2 antagonist, JTE‐013, at 1 mg/kg body weight reduced portal vein pressure by 24% without affecting mean arterial pressure in cirrhotic rats induced by bile duct ligation at 4 weeks after the operation, whereas the same amount of S1P2 antagonist did not alter portal vein pressure and mean arterial pressure in control sham‐operated rats. Rho kinase activity in the livers was enhanced in bile duct‐ligated rats compared to sham‐operated rats, and this enhanced Rho kinase activity in bile duct‐ligated livers was reduced after infusion of the S1P2 antagonist. S1P2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, but not S1P1 or S1P3, was increased in bile duct‐ligated livers of rats and mice and also in culture‐activated rat hepatic stellate cells. S1P2 expression, determined in S1P 2LacZ/+ mice, was highly increased in hepatic stellate cells of bile duct‐ligated livers. Furthermore, the increase of Rho kinase activity in bile duct‐ligated livers was observed as early as 7 days after the operation in wildtype mice, but was less in S1P 2−/− mice. Conclusion: S1P may play an important role in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension with Rho kinase activation by way of S1P2. The S1P2 antagonist merits consideration as a novel therapeutic agent for portal hypertension. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Noise-Compensated, Bias-Corrected Diffusion Weighted Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging via a Stochastically Fully-Connected Joint Conditional Random Field Model

Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MR) is a powerful tool in imaging-based prostate cancer screening and detection. Endorectal coils are commonly used in DW-MR imaging to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the acquisition, at the expense of significant intensity inhomogeneities (bias field) that worsens as we move away from the endorectal coil. The presence of bias field can have a significant negative impact on the accuracy of different image analysis tasks, as well as prostate tumor localization, thus leading to increased inter- and intra-observer variability. Retrospective bias correction approaches are introduced as a more efficient way of bias correction compared to the prospective methods such that they correct for both of the scanner and anatomy-related bias fields in MR imaging. Previously proposed retrospective bias field correction methods suffer from undesired noise amplification that can reduce the quality of bias-corrected DW-MR image. Here, we propose a unified data reconstruction approach that enables joint compensation of bias field as well as data noise in DW-MR imaging. The proposed noise-compensated, bias-corrected (NCBC) data reconstruction method takes advantage of a novel stochastically fully connected joint conditional random field (SFC-JCRF) model to mitigate the effects of data noise and bias field in the reconstructed MR data. The proposed NCBC reconstruction method was tested on synthetic DW-MR data, physical DW-phantom as well as real DW-MR data all acquired using endorectal MR coil. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis illustrated that the proposed NCBC method can achieve improved image quality when compared to other tested bias correction methods. As such, the proposed NCBC method may have potential as a useful retrospective approach for improving the consistency of image interpretations.
Dynamic Effects of Permanent and Temporary Dividend Tax Policies on Corporate Investment and Financial Policies

We develop a neoclassical partial equilibrium model to analyze the dynamic effects of permanent and temporary dividend tax policies on corporate investment and financing decisions. Facing a tax system with corporate and personal income taxes, dividend tax and capital gains tax, a firm decides how much to invest and how to finance investment by equity or debt subject to collateral constraints and capital adjustment costs. We characterize steady state and simulate transitional dynamics following tax policy changes. We find the following novel results: First, both temporary and permanent dividend tax changes do not have long-run effects on a firm's capital formation, but have short-run effects on its investment and financial policies. Second, an anticipated temporary dividend tax cut has a short-run effect of lowering investment, similar to an anticipated permanent dividend tax increase. Third, a firm responds asymmetrically to an anticipated permanent dividend tax increase versus an anticipated permanent dividend tax cut due to the collateral constraint. Finally, in anticipation of future tax changes, the firm engages in tax arbitrage by borrowing or saving in order to transfer corporate earnings across time so as to reduce shareholder's tax burden.
Exposure to ionizing radiation during liver transplantation evaluation, waitlist time, and in the postoperative period: A cause for concern

Substantial evidence has linked ionizing radiation exposure (RE) to oncogenesis. Patients evaluated for transplantation undergo extensive diagnostic imaging and have increased baseline cancer risk factors. The objective was to examine exposure in a cohort of patients undergoing evaluation and liver transplantation. Radiation exposure from all diagnostic examinations and procedures were retrospectively recorded. Radiation exposure is reported in mSv, a standardized measure of the detrimental biologic effect of radiation which allows for population‐level comparisons. Seventy‐four patients (69% male, mean 57 years) were evaluated, of which 13 of 35 subsequently listed patients were transplanted; an additional 18 previously evaluated patients were also transplanted during 2010. The most common indications were hepatitis C (55%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (30%). The median observation period was 14 months. In all, 1,826 imaging examinations were performed, of which 408 (22%) involved considerable ionizing radiation and were the focus of investigation. Median annualized effective RE was 51 mSv (interquartile range [IQR]: 19,126), with 10% exposed to almost twice the amount of radiation recommended for a 5‐year period. Patients with HCC received significantly (P < 0.00001) higher median annualized effective RE than patients without HCC, 137 mSv (IQR: 87,259) versus 32 mSv (IQR: 13,57), respectively. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen (23%) and chest (16%) accounted for the most common exposures, with CT abdomen accounting for 46% of overall cohort RE. Conclusion: Patients undergoing evaluation and liver transplantation at our center are exposed to very high levels of ionizing radiation. Although long‐term effects in these patients are yet to be defined, the theoretical increased risk of malignancy must be given its due consideration. Routine use of nonradiation imaging and reconsideration of indications may be preferred and justified in this population. (Hepatology 2014;59:496–504)
Distributed Computing with BEA WebLogic Server

This paper surveys distributed computing techniques used in the implementation of BEA WebLogic Server. It discusses how application servers provide a distributed transactional infrastructure that extends outward from backend databases. The basic treatment of data is characterized in terms of four types of clustered services that differ in the way they manage state in memory and on disk. This paper also discusses how application servers support loosely-coupled clients, both at the transport level and at the higher level of server-to-server Web Services. Finally, this paper speculates about the development of a new application server persistence layer and its use in widely-distributed computing.
Evaluating visualisation tools for balanced scorecards

The strength and flexibility of the Balanced Scorecard (BS) framework has made it immensely popular in a wide variety of industries. The BS combines an enterprise's financial measures with non-financial, operational measures in order to visualise an enterprise's strategic and operational goals and drive future financial success. Several vendors have developed software solutions to implement and support a BS. Software solutions range from well-known, pre-packaged spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel, to lesser-known, custom made solutions specifically aligned to an enterprise's requirements. A number of BS software solutions make use of visualisation techniques such as graphs and diagrams, including visual “strategy maps”. The use of visualisation techniques can provide several benefits to users. These benefits include allowing users to more easily comprehend large amounts of processed data, enabling users to perceive problems with data more easily and facilitating the understanding of large and small scale features of data with greater ease. Some software solutions do little more than provide window dressing for Microsoft Excel data. Others provide a wide array of features, making them complex, difficult to use and expensive. This paper identifies several criteria for evaluating a BS software solution, and reports on a usability study of two existing BS software solutions. Identified criteria are evaluated by means of a usability study. The usability study includes an analysis of the preferences of users regarding the various visualisation techniques provided by these tools.
Temperature effects on fish production across a natural thermal gradient

Global warming is widely predicted to reduce the biomass production of top predators, or even result in species loss. Several exceptions to this expectation have been identified, however, and it is vital that we understand the underlying mechanisms if we are to improve our ability to predict future trends. Here, we used a natural warming experiment in Iceland and quantitative theoretical predictions to investigate the success of brown trout as top predators across a stream temperature gradient (4–25 °C). Brown trout are at the northern limit of their geographic distribution in this system, with ambient stream temperatures below their optimum for maximal growth, and above it in the warmest streams. A five‐month mark‐recapture study revealed that population abundance, biomass, growth rate, and production of trout all increased with stream temperature. We identified two mechanisms that contributed to these responses: (1) trout became more selective in their diet as stream temperature increased, feeding higher in the food web and increasing in trophic position; and (2) trophic transfer through the food web was more efficient in the warmer streams. We found little evidence to support a third potential mechanism: that external subsidies would play a more important role in the diet of trout with increasing stream temperature. Resource availability was also amplified through the trophic levels with warming, as predicted by metabolic theory in nutrient‐replete systems. These results highlight circumstances in which top predators can thrive in warmer environments and contribute to our knowledge of warming impacts on natural communities and ecosystem functioning.
The biology of thrombosis.

For the past decade the concept of a primary role for platelets in the pathogenesis of thrombosis, especially arterial thrombosis, has been a domi­ nant force in research on thrombosis. Several large-scale studies were de­ signed to determine if agents that inhibit platelet aggregation affect clinical arterial ischemic disease. Some of the results were positive, but not as dramatic as might have been anticipated (1, 2). It is possible that agents with a more powerful inhibitory effect and that are directed at platelet adhesion rather than aggregation would have greater therapeutic efficiency. Mean­ while data have been accumulating to indicate that methods for controlling the coagulation system have not been optimally exploited. A prospective study on hemostatic function and cardiovascular death showed that men who subsequently died of cardiovascular causes showed at recruitment significantly higher plasma levels of factors VII and VIII as well as fibrino­ gen and cholesterol. There were no differences in platelet count or adhesive­ ness (3). A recent Dutch trial suggested that dicumarol might reduce mortality by considerably more than the 20% established by earlier trials (4). Several pilot studies of patients with acute myocardial infarction showed that acutely occluded coronary arteries can be recanalized by the intra-coronary injection of streptokinase. This technique has great potential
Preparation for turning a Bucket Wheel Reclaimer into a robotic arm

This paper presents the ground work prepared for turning a Bucket Wheel Reclaimer (BWR) into a robotic arm for operation automation. BWR has been widely used in dealing with bulk materials by removing them from the conveyor and stack them as well as to load stacked materials onto the in-feed conveyor, such as in mining industry. Generally speaking, current BWRs are manually operated, remotely operated, or automated to simply follow predefined trajectory patterns. In order to automatically generate trajectory and manoeuvre BWR to specific stockpiles and locations to reclaim materials for the combined product grade required by customers, knowledge of the product quality distribution among stockpiles and within a stockpile is essential. In addition, a converted BWR system like a robotic arm, which can be automated to manoeuvre according to the needs, is required. This paper focuses on the preparation for converting BWR only and presents the derivation of its forward/inverse kinematics, Jacobian and dynamics. A model based controller is developed as well to move around the converted robotic arm. Simulations are conducted using Matlab/Simulink. The results demonstrate satisfactory performance and prove the initial stage of preparation is successfully completed.
A Long Way: History of the Prophylactic Papillomavirus Vaccine

For more than one and a half centuries, papillomaviruses have been recognized as causative agents for benign and malignant disease in humans as well as in a number of animal species [43]. It took more than five decades to provide sufficient evidence for the general acceptance of HPV as necessary cause for the development of anogenital cancer in humans. At the end of this long road of extensive studies on papillomaviruses by countless scientists worldwide there is finally a prophylactic papillomavirus vaccine at hand. Clearly, the scientific progress in vaccine development was hampered by the fact that papillomaviruses cannot be readily cultivated in vitro. In this review we will discuss the path that led to the introduction of the prophylactic vaccine to the public. Earliest reports about a putative infectious agent being involved in the development of cervical cancers came from observations made by the Italian physician Domenico Rigoni-Stern [51]. He noted that cancer of the womb is found most frequently among women in their fourth and fifth decade and he described behavioural risk factors for this cancer that are still being in the focus of modern epidemiology: age at first sexual intercourse and promiscuity. Despite an imprecise baseline of his study (Rigoni-Stern did not differentiate between cancer of the endometrial and cervical cancer) the link to cervical cancer was later confirmed by other
Wireless sensor networks for Home Appliance Energy Management based on ZigBee technology

Wireless Sensor Networks for Home Appliance Energy Management based on ZigBee technology is introduced in this paper. The aim of this research is to develop a real-time, low-cost, low power consumption and better reliable system for monitoring home appliance. Based on system analysis, hardware architecture design and underlying software development are presented. Experiment testing result demonstrates that this system is suitable for home appliance energy management and it makes electric scheduling and management more convenient and flexible. Moreover, it can be extended to a whole building or community.