Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-run Side-Channel Analysis Using Symbolic Execution and Max-SMT

Side-channel attacks recover confidential information from non-functional characteristics of computations, such as time or memory consumption. We describe a program analysis that uses symbolic execution to quantify the information that is leaked to an attacker who makes multiple side-channel measurements. The analysis also synthesizes the concrete public inputs (the "attack") that lead to maximum leakage, via a novel reduction to Max-SMT solving over the constraints collected with symbolic execution. Furthermore model counting and information-theoretic metrics are used to compute an attacker's remaining uncertainty about a secret after a certain number of side-channel measurements are made. We have implemented the analysis in the Symbolic PathFinder tool and applied it in the context of password checking and cryptographic functions, showing how to obtain tight bounds on information leakage under a small number of attack steps.
Fast Rerouting Against Multi-Link Failures Without Topology Constraint

Multi-link failures may incur heavy packet loss and degrade the network performance. Fast rerouting has been proposed to address this issue by enabling routing protections. However, the effectiveness and efficiency issues of fast rerouting are not well addressed. In particular, the protection performance of existing approaches is not satisfactory even if the overhead is high, and topology constraints need to be met for the approaches to achieve a complete protection. To optimize the efficiency, we first answer the question that whether label-free routing can provide a complete protection against arbitrary multi-link failures in any networks. We propose a model for interface-specific-routing which can be seen as a general label-free routing. We analyze the conditions under which a multi-link failure will induce routing loops. And then, we present that there exist some networks in which no interface-specific-routing (ISR) can be constructed to protect the routing against any $k$ -link failures ( $k \geq 2$ ). Then, we propose a tunneling on demand (TOD) approach, which covers most failures with ISR, and activate tunneling only when failures cannot be detoured around by ISR. We develop algorithms to compute ISR properly so as to minimize the number of activated tunnels, and compute the protection tunnels if necessary. We prove that TOD can protect routing against any single-link failures and dual-link failures. We evaluate TOD by simulations with real-world topologies. The results show that TOD can achieve a near 100% protection ratio with small tunneling overhead for multi-link failures, making a better tradeoff than the state-of-the-art label-based approaches.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an atomic emission spectroscopy. Atoms are excited from the lower energy level to high energy level when they are in the high energy status. The conventional excitation energy source can be a hot flame, light or high temperature plasma. The excited energy that holds the atom at the higher energy level will be released and the atom returns to its ground state eventually. The released energy is welldefined for the specific excited atom, and this characteristic process utilizes emission spectroscopy for the analytical method. LIBS employs the laser pulse to atomize the sample and leads to atomic emission. Compared to the conventional flame emission spectroscopy, LIBS atomizes only the small portion of the sample by the focused laser pulse, which makes a tiny spark on the sample. Because of the short-life of the spark emission, capturing the instant light is a major skill to collect sufficient intensity of the emitting species. Three major parts of the LIBS system are a pulse laser, sample, and spectrometer. Control system is usually needed to manage timing and the spectrum capturing. Figure 1 illustrates those three major components and a computer in the conventional LIBS.
Performances Comparison of Si, GaAs and GaN based Resonant Tunneling Diode in Presence and Absence of Electric Field

A semi-empirical analytical model of Si/Si x Ge 1-x , GaAs/Al x Ga 1-x As and GaN/Al x Ga 1-x N resonant tunneling diode (RTD) is presented in this paper. Transmission coefficient (Tc) is an important factor for determining the performance of a resonant tunneling diode. Variation of transmission coefficient with electron energy and other device parameters are predicted with the help of this model. Comparison of performance characteristics of these three devices are made for different barrier width and well width in presence and absence of applied electric field using transfer matrix method.
Autonomous Land Vehicle Localization Based on Video Compass

The autonomous land vehicle localization is crucial for navigation, local path planning and position control in urban environments. The Video Compass method is proposed for autonomous land vehicle in this paper. First, the lane marking information from monocular camera is extracted. Second, the change of vanishing point is calculated from the lane markings. Third, with the above two conditions the autonomous land vehicle absolute direction could be deduced. This is the technique of the Video Compass proposed in this paper. Finally, the localization is calculated by the Video Compass and the wheel encoder. The algorithm presented in this paper is proved to be both robust and fast by experiments.
Patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment in a fully weight‐bearing upright MR: Implementation and repeatability

To develop methods for evaluating 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment in vertical open‐bore magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, with participants upright and fully weight‐bearing; and to evaluate the repeatability of these methods in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and in asymptomatic knees.
Ultrafast scanning of exchangeable sites by NMR spectroscopy.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and magnetization transfer (MT) have become widely popular techniques for generating enhanced MRI contrast in vivo and ex vivo. [1] In order to fully characterize these phenomena, and to investigate suitable candidates for contrast agents, the polarization of the reporter signal (typically water) is measured as a function of the frequency offset of the saturating RF irradiation (Z-spectrum). [2] Here, we present an ultrafast method to obtain a Z-spectrum over a large range of frequency offsets from only two signal excitations. This method can be useful for fast screening of imaging phantoms and para- and diamagnetic CEST contrast agents under different experimental conditions (saturation time, power, etc).
Molecular Evidences of a Hidden Complex Scenario in Leporinus cf. friderici

The megadiversity of the neotropical ichthyofauna has been associated to recent diversification processes, reflecting in subtle or lacking morphological differentiation between species, challenging the classical taxonomic identification. Leporinus friderici occurs in several river basins of South America, and its nominal taxonomic validity has been questioned. Its wide distribution within the Brazilian Shield suggests that this species could be genetically structured among the hydrographic basins, despite a sharp morphological similarity. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses, based on three nuclear (recombination activating gene 1, RAG1, recombination activating gene 2, RAG2, and myosin heavy chain 6 cardiac muscle alpha gene, Myh6) and two mitochondrial (COI and Cytochrome b, Cytb) markers, in specimens morphologically similar to L. friderici and related species from different hydrographic basins in South America. Our phylogenetic tree identified four well-supported clades, which point out to the existence of taxonomic inconsistencies within this fish group. A clade named L. cf. friderici sensu stricto included eight Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units recently diversified in the Brazilian Shield basins. These results were also confirmed by a single-gene species delimitation analysis. It is suggested that this clade includes a species complex, characterizing taxonomic uncertainties. Another clade recovered only L. friderici from the Suriname rivers, validating this nominal species in its type locality. A third no-named clade, characterized by deeper species divergence, recovered five different nominal species interleaved with other undescribed forms previously also recognized as L. cf. friderici, indicating taxonomic errors. The fourth clade only included L. taeniatus. Our results showed a complex scenario involving the morphotype L. cf. friderici and allowed us to address aspects related to evolutionary diversification of this fish group and historical processes involved with, highlighting the importance of revealing hidden biodiversity for the taxonomy and conservationist action plans of these fish.
A perception system for robot arms to convey objects to in-car passengers

Automatically delivering objects to in-car passengers has many potential applications. Such a system generally consists of two sub-systems: a perception system and an action system. The perception system basically looks for the targets' positions and the action system delivers objects to the targets. In this paper, we propose a novel perception system, which contains two major functions: estimation of reaching points and discovering potential risks. The reaching points are the locations where robot arms needs to reach. Moreover, it should be able to reach with comfort by passengers and keep a safe distance from the car body. In order to achieve this, all the vehicle components (side surfaces, side mirrors etc.), which may cause collision, need to be detected. Potential risks are usually caused by moving objects or changing door state (close to open) during the operation. It is necessary to monitor these two situations to avoid any potential risks during operation. Our offline test shows that the accuracy of reaching points estimation can reach up to 94% and the response time for moving objects detection or door state changes is less than 1 millisecond.
Genotyping of KRAS Mutational Status by the In-Check Lab-on-Chip Platform

The KRAS oncogene is involved in the pathogenesis of several types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). The most frequent mutations in this gene are associated with poor survival, increased tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies. For this reason, KRAS mutation testing has become increasingly common in clinical practice for personalized cancer treatments of CRC patients. Detection methods for KRAS mutations are currently expensive, laborious, time-consuming and often lack of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we describe the development of a Lab-on-Chip assay for genotyping of KRAS mutational status. This assay, based on the In-Check platform, integrates microfluidic handling, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a low-density microarray. This integrated sample-to-result system enables the detection of KRAS point mutations, including those occurring in codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, 59 and 61 of exon 3, 117 and 146 of exon 4. Thanks to its miniaturization, automation, rapid analysis, minimal risk of sample contamination, increased accuracy and reproducibility of results, this Lab-on-Chip platform may offer immediate opportunities to simplify KRAS genotyping into clinical routine.
3,6-Dichlorosalicylate Catabolism Is Initiated by the DsmABC Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase System in Rhizorhabdus dicambivorans Ndbn-20

ABSTRACT The degradation of the herbicide dicamba is initiated by demethylation to form 3,6-dichlorosalicylate (3,6-DCSA) in Rhizorhabdus dicambivorans Ndbn-20. In the present study, a 3,6-DCSA degradation-deficient mutant, Ndbn-20m, was screened. A cluster, dsmR1DABCEFGR2, was lost in this mutant. The cluster consisted of nine genes, all of which were apparently induced by 3,6-DCSA. DsmA shared 30 to 36% identity with the monooxygenase components of reported three-component cytochrome P450 systems and formed a monophyletic branch in the phylogenetic tree. DsmB and DsmC were most closely related to the reported [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase, respectively. The disruption of dsmA in strain Ndbn-20 resulted in inactive 3,6-DCSA degradation. When dsmABC, but not dsmA alone, was introduced into mutant Ndbn-20m and Sphingobium quisquiliarum DC-2 (which is unable to degrade salicylate and its derivatives), they acquired the ability to hydroxylate 3,6-DCSA. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the DsmABC-catalyzed hydroxylation occurred at the C-5 position of 3,6-DCSA, generating 3,6-dichlorogentisate (3,6-DCGA). In addition, DsmD shared 51% identity with GtdA (a gentisate and 3,6-DCGA 1,2-dioxygenase) from Sphingomonas sp. strain RW5. However, unlike GtdA, the purified DsmD catalyzed the cleavage of gentisate and 3-chlorogentisate but not 6-chlorogentisate or 3,6-DCGA in vitro. Based on the bioinformatic analysis and gene function studies, a possible catabolic pathway of dicamba in R. dicambivorans Ndbn-20 was proposed. IMPORTANCE Dicamba is widely used to control a variety of broadleaf weeds and is a promising target herbicide for the engineering of herbicide-resistant crops. The catabolism of dicamba has thus received increasing attention. Bacteria mineralize dicamba initially via demethylation, generating 3,6-dichlorosalicylate. However, the catabolism of 3,6-dichlorosalicylate remains unknown. In this study, we cloned a gene cluster, dsmR1DABCEFGR2, involved in 3,6-dichlorosalicylate degradation from R. dicambivorans Ndbn-20, demonstrated that the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system DsmABC was responsible for the 5-hydroxylation of 3,6-dichlorosalicylate, and proposed a dicamba catabolic pathway. This study provides a basis to elucidate the catabolism of dicamba and has benefits for the ecotoxicological study of dicamba. Furthermore, the hydroxylation of salicylate has been previously reported to be catalyzed by single-component flavoprotein or three-component Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase, whereas DsmABC was the only cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system hydroxylating salicylate and its methyl- or chloro-substituted derivatives.
A demethylation deficient isoform of the lysine demethylase KDM2A interacts with pericentromeric heterochromatin in an HP1a-dependent manner

ABSTRACT Histone modifications have a profound impact on the chromatin structure and gene expression and their correct establishment and recognition is essential for correct cell functioning. Malfunction of histone modifying proteins is associated with developmental defects and diseases and detailed characterization of these proteins is therefore very important. The lysine specific demethylase KDM2A is a CpG island binding protein that has been studied predominantly for its ability to regulate CpG island-associated gene promoters by demethylating their H3K36me2. However, very little attention has been paid to the alternative KDM2A isoform that lacks the N-terminal demethylation domain, KDM2A-SF. Here we characterized KDM2A-SF more in detail and we found that, unlike the canonical full length KDM2A-LF isoform, KDM2A-SF forms distinct nuclear heterochromatic bodies in an HP1a dependent manner. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments further showed that KDM2A binds to transcriptionally silent pericentromeric regions that exhibit high levels of H3K36me2. H3K36me2 is the substrate of the KDM2A demethylation activity and the high levels of this histone modification in the KDM2A-bound pericentromeric regions imply that these regions are occupied by the demethylation deficient KDM2A-SF isoform.
A taxonomy for deploying redirection techniques in immersive virtual environments

Natural walking can provide a compelling experience in immersive virtual environments, but it remains an implementation challenge due to the physical space constraints imposed on the size of the virtual world. The use of redirection techniques is a promising approach that relaxes the space requirements of natural walking by manipulating the user's route in the virtual environment, causing the real world path to remain within the boundaries of the physical workspace. In this paper, we present and apply a novel taxonomy that separates redirection techniques according to their geometric flexibility versus the likelihood that they will be noticed by users. Additionally, we conducted a user study of three reorientation techniques, which confirmed that participants were less likely to experience a break in presence when reoriented using the techniques classified as subtle in our taxonomy. Our results also suggest that reorientation with change blindness illusions may give the impression of exploring a more expansive environment than continuous rotation techniques, but at the cost of negatively impacting spatial knowledge acquisition.
Two new lignans from Horsfieldia kingii

Abstract Two new dibenzylbutyrolactol lignans and three known dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Horsfieldia kingii. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Cytotoxicity evaluation of these compounds against five human tumour lines showed no inhibitory effects.
Dense Invariant Feature-Based Support Vector Ranking for Cross-Camera Person Reidentification

Recently, support vector ranking (SVR) has been adopted to address the challenging person reidentification problem. However, the ranking model based on ordinary global features cannot well represent the significant variation of pose and viewpoint across camera views. To address this issue, a novel ranking method that fuses the dense invariant features (DIFs) is proposed in this paper to model the variation of images across camera views. An optimal space for ranking is learned by simultaneously maximizing the margin and minimizing the error on the fused features. The proposed method significantly outperforms the original SVR algorithm due to the invariance of the DIFs, the fusion of the bidirectional features, and the adaptive adjustment of parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is competitive with state-of-the-art methods on two challenging data sets, showing its potential for real-world person reidentification.
Robust near-field 3D localization of an unaligned single-coil agent using unobtrusive anchors

The magnetic near-field provides a suitable means for indoor localization, due to its insensitivity to the environment and strong spatial gradients. We consider indoor localization setups consisting of flat coils, allowing for convenient integration of the agent coil into a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone or wristband) and flush mounting of the anchor coils to walls. In order to study such setups systematically, we first express the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on the position error for unknown orientation and evaluate its distribution within a square room of variable size, using 15 × 10 cm anchor coils and a commercial NFC antenna at the agent. Thereby, we find cm-accuracy being achievable in a room of 10 × 10 × 3 meters with 12 flat wall-mounted anchors and with 10 mW used for the generation of magnetic fields. Practically achieving such estimation performance is, however, difficult because of the nonconvex 5D likelihood function. To that end, we propose a fast and accurate weighted least squares (WLS) algorithm which is insensitive to initialization. This is enabled by effectively eliminating the orientation nuisance parameter in a rigorous fashion and scaling the individual anchor observations, leading to a smoothed 3D cost function. Using WLS estimates to initialize a maximum-likelihood (ML) solver yields accuracy near the theoretical limit in up to 98% of cases, thus enabling robust indoor localization with unobtrusive infrastructure, with a computational efficiency suitable for real-time processing.
A new approach for image segmentation with shape priors based on the Potts model

Shape priors play an important role for object segmentation in images with noise, distortion, shape deformation and partial occlusion. However, traditional region-based formulations often use classical level set functions, leading to complicated implementation and expensive computational costs, especially for image segmentation with multiple shape templates. To address these problems, in this paper we propose a novel segmentation formula based on the Potts model, where a reference image may contain more than one shape prior. A periodic condition and bounded region are used for the shape transformation, as we describe a new algorithm for formulation that can segment several objects simultaneously. Specifically, we focus on the use of characteristic functions as opposed to conventional classical level set functions for improved image processing efficiency. The reporting of four separate experiments using different images demonstrates the potential of the formulation and algorithm discussed.
Minimal disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis: the need of the hour and a proposal for development

Purpose of review Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with articular and extra-articular manifestations. Remission, a state of absence of clinical and imaging signs of disease activity over time, is the goal of management. This review addresses the concept of minimal disease activity (MDA) in axSpA, which is less stringent than remission, and is closer to patient and provider acceptable low disease state. Recent findings Existing axSpA treatments improve physical function and quality of life, and lead to remission in a minority of patients. A consistent MDA state decreases disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. We argue a need to develop MDA in axSpA for clinical practice and clinical trials and propose methodology. Considering that MDA will be used in clinical practice, its elements must be easy to collect and cover both musculoskeletal and extra-articular domains. MDA will complement current disease activity measures in axSpA. Summary Defining an MDA target in axSpA would provide an outcome measure that is less stringent than remission, and will likely predict function and quality of life. We propose methods to develop MDA in axSpA and that further research be performed to determine if treating to an MDA target in axSpA improves patient outcomes.