Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust stream-cipher mode of authenticated encryption for secure communication in wireless sensor network

Authenticated Encryption is a cryptographic process of providing confidentiality and integrity protection of messages in a single pass without any support of conventional checksum, Message Authentication Code MAC, or hash function. In this paper, at first, we show that how to construct the stream-cipher-based Authenticated Encryption environment, where the key-stream is generated from any secure block algorithm like Advanced Encryption Standard. In order to do that, we introduce two stream-cipher modes of Authenticated Encryption, namely, PFC-CTR Counter-based Authenticated Encryption environment and PFC-OCB OCB-based Authenticated Encryption environment, which are quite robust against several active attacks, for example, message stream modification attacks, known-plain-text attacks, and chosen-plain-text attacks, and at the same time, they can also efficiently deal with some other issues like "limited error propagation" existing in several conventional stream-cipher modes of operation like Cipher Feedback, Output Feedback, and Counter. Finally, we enforce the concept of Authenticated Encryption in the sense of data communication security of the wireless sensor network WSN, Global Mobility Networks GLOMONET, and Cloud Computing environment, where only encryption can guarantee both the privacy and integrity in a single pass with the assurance of reasonable computational overhead. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconciling Service Orientation with the Cloud

The SaaS market is growing steadily. In the face of it, SaaS providers have started to reflect on how to rationalize their internal processes: service design, management and delivery. The Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles can offer valuable insight in that process as the SOA concept has several key traits in common with the cloud computing paradigm. The latter however gives prominence to the economics of the SaaS application delivery, which values elasticity in the sharing of resources and in the preservation of service-level agreements, characteristics which the former prospective ignored. This work continues on the trail of previous research on service-oriented cloud platforms, by presenting a new enriched SOA paradigm that embraces rapid elasticity, in conformance with the postulates of cloud computing. The integration of our SOA-based PaaS prototype, PaaSSOA, with a real IaaS instance, Amazon Web Services, provides an initial confirmation of the viability of the extended notion of service model, as well as empirical evidence that a SOA-based PaaS can effectively operate over a real IaaS instance.
NTR1 is required for transcription elongation checkpoints at alternative exons in Arabidopsis

The interconnection between transcription and splicing is a subject of intense study. We report that Arabidopsis homologue of spliceosome disassembly factor NTR1 is required for correct expression and splicing of DOG1, a regulator of seed dormancy. Global splicing analysis in atntr1 mutants revealed a bias for downstream 5′ and 3′ splice site selection and an enhanced rate of exon skipping. A local reduction in PolII occupancy at misspliced exons and introns in atntr1 mutants suggests that directionality in splice site selection is a manifestation of fast PolII elongation kinetics. In agreement with this model, we found AtNTR1 to bind target genes and co‐localise with PolII. A minigene analysis further confirmed that strong alternative splice sites constitute an AtNTR1‐dependent transcriptional roadblock. Plants deficient in PolII endonucleolytic cleavage showed opposite effects for splice site choice and PolII occupancy compared to atntr1 mutants, and inhibition of PolII elongation or endonucleolytic cleavage in atntr1 mutant resulted in partial reversal of splicing defects. We propose that AtNTR1 is part of a transcription elongation checkpoint at alternative exons in Arabidopsis.
On detecting a human body direction using an image information

This paper describes a novel technique for detecting a human body direction using HOG feature. The HOG feature is a well-known feature for the judgment of a human. But normally it contains the background feature, which gives negative influence on the judgment. This paper proposes the employment of the HOG feature based on selecting feature methods. We employ the feature for detecting a human body direction. Experimental results show effectiveness of the proposed technique compared to the conventional one.
Modelling active transport in Drosophila unipolar motor neurons

This paper develops a model for simulating organelle transport in Drosophila unipolar motor neurons. The paper is motivated by a recent experimental investigation by Stone et al. (Microtubules have opposite orientation in axons and dendrites of Drosophila neurons. Mol Biol Cell.19:4122-4129) who proposed a map of microtubule (MT) orientation in Drosophila neurons, and explained why dynein mutations selectively impede dendritic growth without having much effect on axonal growth. Two different approaches to modelling the effect of dynein mutations are utilised: one through assuming a reduced average velocity of a dynein mutant motor and the other through assuming its decreased processivity (an increased detachment rate from MTs). Modified Smith–Simmons equations are used for developing a continuum model of the process. Distributions of organelle concentrations as well as distributions of diffusion, motor-driven and total organelle fluxes are simulated.
The Repoliticization of Collective Action After Neoliberalism in Peru

Abstract Examining the popular uprising against the privatization of electric service in Arequipa and other revolts against foreign direct investment in Peru, this article explores the changing basis of antigovernment mobilizations against economic liberalization. It suggests that the transition from Fujimori to Toledo led to a major shift in the political opportunity structure, creating a more conducive environment for greater levels of mobilization while increasing the leverage of challengers, along with their chances to achieve positive goals. These new forms of collective resistance are geographically segmented or territorialized; they present concrete demands; and they often involve unexpected actors, yet they resonate at the national level. These results confirm the expectations from recent repoliticization literature insofar as collective actors remain acutely responsive to market reforms in more democratic settings.
PrimPol prevents APOBEC/AID family mediated DNA mutagenesis

Abstract PrimPol is a DNA damage tolerant polymerase displaying both translesion synthesis (TLS) and (re)-priming properties. This led us to study the consequences of a PrimPol deficiency in tolerating mutagenic lesions induced by members of the APOBEC/AID family of cytosine deaminases. Interestingly, during somatic hypermutation, PrimPol counteracts the generation of C>G transversions on the leading strand. Independently, mutation analyses in human invasive breast cancer confirmed a pro-mutagenic activity of APOBEC3B and revealed a genome-wide anti-mutagenic activity of PRIMPOL as well as most Y-family TLS polymerases. PRIMPOL especially prevents APOBEC3B targeted cytosine mutations within TpC dinucleotides. As C transversions induced by APOBEC/AID family members depend on the formation of AP-sites, we propose that PrimPol reprimes preferentially downstream of AP-sites on the leading strand, to prohibit error-prone TLS and simultaneously stimulate error-free homology directed repair. These in vivo studies are the first demonstrating a critical anti-mutagenic activity of PrimPol in genome maintenance.
Dystrophin localization at presynapse in rat retina revealed by immunoelectron microscopy.

PURPOSE It has been accepted that retinal dystrophin is localized in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the retina, but no electron microscopic evidence has been reported until now. Using immunoelectron microscopy, the authors investigate whether retinal dystrophin localizes at the presynaptic or postsynaptic membrane of synaptic regions. METHODS Monoclonal antibody raised against human dystrophin C-terminus was used. Immunoblotting analysis was used for testing dystrophin protein in retinal tissues. Tissue preparations were stained with the immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase method and were observed with light and electron microscopy. RESULTS Immunoblotting analysis showed a molecular weight of band 420 kDa in the sodium dodecyl sulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the retinal tissues. Immunoelectron microscopy disclosed that retinal dystrophin was localized at the presynaptic membrane of synaptic regions in the OPL. CONCLUSIONS Rat retinal dystrophin localizes at the presynaptic membrane in the OPL, suggesting that it may play some role in the neurotransmitter release of the photoreceptor cell.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. and Plumbago rosea Linn. : A Comparative Study

Plumbago zeylanica Linn. is a useful medicinal plant. The root of the plant contains active constituent Plumbagin, a napthoquinone and other principles, hence constituents exhibits various potential therapeutic activities. Plumbago rosea Linn. is shrubby perennial which also contains same active constituents as Plumbago zeylanica Linn. The aim of present study is to evaluate the physicochemical properties and the in vitro antioxidant activity of hydroehtanolic extracts of both the species of Plumbago. Determinations of their in vitro antioxidant activity were carried out by using 1, 1-Diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity method and reducing power assay method. Results of the present study indicated that that the hydroethanolic extract of Plumbago rosea Linn. is better antioxidant in comparison to Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
Non-equilibrium magnetic colloidal dispersions at liquid–air interfaces: dynamic patterns, magnetic order and self-assembled swimmers

Colloidal dispersions of interacting particles subjected to an external periodic forcing often develop nontrivial self-assembled patterns and complex collective behavior. A fundamental issue is how collective ordering in such non-equilibrium systems arises from the dynamics of discrete interacting components. In addition, from a practical viewpoint, by working in regimes far from equilibrium new self-organized structures which are generally not available through equilibrium thermodynamics can be created. In this review spontaneous self-assembly phenomena in magnetic colloidal dispersions suspended at liquid–air interfaces and driven out of equilibrium by an alternating magnetic field are presented. Experiments reveal a new type of nontrivially ordered self-assembled structures emerging in such systems in a certain range of excitation parameters. These dynamic structures emerge as a result of the competition between magnetic and hydrodynamic forces and have complex unconventional magnetic ordering. Nontrivial self-induced hydrodynamic fields accompany each out-of-equilibrium pattern. Spontaneous symmetry breaking of the self-induced surface flows leading to a formation of self-propelled microstructures has been discovered. Some features of the self-localized structures can be understood in the framework of the amplitude equation (Ginzburg–Landau type equation) for parametric waves coupled to the conservation law equation describing the evolution of the magnetic particle density and the Navier–Stokes equation for hydrodynamic flows. To understand the fundamental microscopic mechanisms governing self-assembly processes in magnetic colloidal dispersions at liquid–air interfaces a first-principle model for a non-equilibrium self-assembly is presented. The latter model allows us to capture in detail the entire process of out-of-equilibrium self-assembly in the system and reproduces most of the observed phenomenology.
Compressibility of some peats and organic soils

The level of compressibility-anisotropy present in natural fibrous peats and peaty silt was studied and the test data compared with the levels of compressibility predicted using existing empirical correlations. Multiple-increment oedometer tests were conducted on pairs of identical test specimens prepared such that the axis of one specimen was orthogonal to, and the axis of the second specimen parallel to the cross-anisotropic plane. The soils were highly compressible, largely due to high rates of secondary compression. Fine fibrous peat and peaty silt generally exhibited isotropic compressibility. The level of compressibility anisotropy for coarse peat, quantified in terms of the ratio of the horizontal Csh, to vertical Csv coefficient of secondary compression values, decreased with increasing applied stress. A step change in the values of the compression index and the coefficient of secondary compression occurred at the pre-consolidation pressure. Artificially high values for the pre-consolidation pressure may have been measured due to compression during sampling. Values of Cc predicted from the liquid limit values using Terzaghi and Peck’s (1967) correlation were in close agreement with the laboratory-measured values for the test soils.
Isolation of Arcobacter skirrowii from a Patient with Chronic Diarrhea

The genus Arcobacter currently includes four species ([7][1]). Two species, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter butzleri , have been associated with human disease. They were mainly isolated from patients with diarrhea and bacteremia ([2][2], [3][3], [6][4]). Arcobacter nitrofigilis has been
A Randomized Comparison Between Conventional and Waveform-Confirmed Loss of Resistance for Thoracic Epidural Blocks

Background and Objectives Epidural waveform analysis (EWA) provides a simple confirmatory adjunct for loss of resistance (LOR): when the needle tip is correctly positioned inside the epidural space, pressure measurement results in a pulsatile waveform. In this randomized trial, we compared conventional and EWA-confirmed LOR in 2 teaching centers. Our research hypothesis was that EWA-confirmed LOR would decrease the failure rate of thoracic epidural blocks. Methods One hundred patients undergoing thoracic epidural blocks for thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, or rib fractures were randomized to conventional LOR or EWA-LOR. The operator was allowed as many attempts as necessary to achieve a satisfactory LOR (by feel) in the conventional group. In the EWA-LOR group, LOR was confirmed by connecting the epidural needle to a pressure transducer using a rigid extension tubing. Positive waveforms indicated that the needle tip was positioned inside the epidural space. The operator was allowed a maximum of 3 different intervertebral levels to obtain a positive waveform. If waveforms were still absent at the third level, the operator simply accepted LOR as the technical end point. However, the patient was retained in the EWA-LOR group (intent-to-treat analysis). After achieving a satisfactory tactile LOR (conventional group), positive waveforms (EWA-LOR group), or a third intervertebral level with LOR but no waveform (EWA-LOR group), the operator administered a 4-mL test dose of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 5 &mgr;g/mL. Fifteen minutes after the test dose, a blinded investigator assessed the patient for sensory block to ice. Results Compared with LOR, EWA-LOR resulted in a lower rate of primary failure (2% vs 24%; P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis based on experience level reveals that EWA-LOR outperformed conventional LOR for novice (P = 0.001) but not expert operators. The performance time was longer in the EWA-LOR group (11.2 ± 6.2 vs 8.0 ± 4.6 minutes; P = 0.006). Both groups were comparable in terms of operator's level of expertise, depth of the epidural space, approach, and LOR medium. In the EWA-LOR group, operators obtained a pulsatile waveform with the first level attempted in 60% of patients. However, 40% of subjects required performance at a second or third level. Conclusions Compared with its conventional counterpart, EWA-confirmed LOR results in a lower failure rate for thoracic epidural blocks (2% vs 24%) in our teaching centers. Confirmatory EWA provides significant benefits for inexperienced operators.
Contrast echocardiography for analysis of heart anatomy in tortoises

Summary Objective The cardiac anatomy in tortoises depicted on B-mode and color-Doppler should be better differentiated by additional contrastechocardiography. Material and methods An intravenous contrast agent (INN-sulphur hexafluoride [SonoVue®]) was injected in four tortoises (three Testudo hermanni, one Agrionemys horsfieldii), via the coccygeal vein, with parallel B-mode echocardiographic examination. The results of the contrast-enhanced echocardiography were compared with the contrast-free B-mode recordings and color-Doppler ultrasound. Results The use of SonoVue® enabled clearer distinction of the cardiac structures, differentiation of the arising major arteries, identification of wash-out-shunts, and visualization of blood flow patterns throughout the tortoise heart. Conclusion and clinical relevance This study enables the accurate depiction and differentiation of cardiac anatomy in tortoises through the use of a combination of B-mode, color-Doppler and contrast-echocardiography. Basic knowledge of blood flow in the reptile heart is essential to understand echocardiographic anatomy. Blood-flow-patterns and anatomy of the tortoise heart as found in this study will help to establish a basis for further echocardiographic examinations of these animals.
Computational models for fusion of texture and color: a comparative study

Fusion of texture and color is to simulate color texture images that are perceptually very close to the actual ones. There are three computational models, i.e., gray-to-color mapping (GCM), color-to-color mapping (CCM), and dichromatic-based (DICH) mod- els. The CCM model is extended to three methods, namely, CCM- RGB, CCM-LCH, and CCM-l, when it is applied in different color spaces. The DICH model contains two methods: DICH-GC and DICH-CC, considering the original image can be either gray scale or color. The color fidelity of these six methods is comparatively inves- tigated in terms of image similarity between simulated and target
Integration of Thin-Film Galfenol With MEMS Cantilevers for Magnetic Actuation

Galfenol (Fe1-xGax, where x ranges from 0.19 to 0.30) thin films have been successfully fabricated onto thin glass cover slides using RF sputtering. The Ga composition in the thin films was controlled by the forward power. The films had a preferred (110) orientation. The magnetic response as a function of applied magnetic field was examined using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The crystallography and composition of these films were measured using X-ray (XRD) and electron diffractions, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. A capacitance bridge method was used to measure saturation magnetostrictions of up to 147 ppm. Finally, the thin films of Galfenol were integrated with MEMS cantilevers for magnetic actuation
Wearing Compression Tights on the Thigh during Prolonged Running Attenuated Exercise-Induced Increase in Muscle Damage Marker in Blood

Purpose: To examine the effects of wearing a lower-body compression garment with different body coverage areas during prolonged running on exercise performance and muscle damage. Methods: Thirty male subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) wearing a compression tights with 15 mmHg to thigh [n = 10, CT group], (2) wearing a compression socks with 15 mmHg to calf [n = 10, CS group], and (3) wearing a lower-body garment with < 5 mmHg to thigh and calf [n = 10, CON group]. The exercise consisted of 120 min of uphill running at 55% of V˙O2max. Heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and running economy (evaluated by VO2) were monitored during exercise every 10 min. Changes in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extension and plantar flexion, height of counter movement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), and scores of subjective feelings of muscle soreness and fatigue were evaluated before exercise, and 60 and 180 min after exercise. Blood samples were collected to determine blood glucose, lactate, serum free fatty acid, myoglobin (Mb), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and plasma interleukin-6 concentrations before exercise (after 20 min of rest), at 60 min of exercise, immediately after exercise, and 60 and 180 min after exercise. Results: Changes in HR, RPE, and running economy during exercise did not differ significantly among the three groups. MVC of knee extension and plantar flexion, and DJ decreased significantly following exercise, with no difference among groups. The serum Mb concentration increased significantly with exercise in all groups, whereas the area under the curve for Mb concentration during 180 min post-exercise was significantly lower in the CT group (13,833 ± 1,397 pg/mL 180 min) than in the CON group (24,343 ± 3,370 pg/mL 180 min, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Wearing compression garment on the thigh significantly attenuated the increase in serum Mb concentration after exercise, suggesting that exercise-induced muscle damage was attenuated.
Metabolic effects of risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR and LYPLAL1 inform about heterogeneity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Fatty liver has been associated with unfavourable metabolic changes in circulation and is considered as a risk factor for cardiometabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to provide insights in fatty liver related metabolic deviations by studying the resemblance between the metabolic profile associated with fatty liver observationally and metabolic profiles of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk increasing genotypes. We determined cross-sectional associations of ultrasound-ascertained fatty liver status with 123 metabolic traits in 1,810 individuals aged 34-49 years from The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. The cross-sectional associations were compared with the association profiles of NAFLD risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR, and LYPLAL1 with the corresponding metabolic traits obtained from a publicly available genome-wide association study including up to 24,925 European individuals. The analysis revealed substantially different metabolic effects of the risk alleles. PNPLA3 rs738409-G, the strongest genetic risk factor to NAFLD, did not associate with metabolic changes. GCKR rs1260326-T resulted in an association profile similar to the observational fatty liver associations. Metabolic effects of LYPLAL1 rs12137855-C were similar, but statistically less robust, to the effects of GCKR rs1260326-T. In contrast, NAFLD risk allele TM6SF2 rs58542926-T displayed opposite metabolic associations when compared with the observational association pattern. Conclusion The divergent effects of the risk alleles on circulating lipids and metabolites underline involvement of several metabolic pathways in NAFLD and suggest that there are pathogenically different subtypes of NAFLD with alternate metabolic consequences. NAFLD risk alleles may have neutral or even cardioprotective effect on circulating lipids and metabolites providing evidence that hepatic lipid accumulation by itself would not necessarily cause the metabolic deviations associated observationally with fatty liver.