Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Edge Computing-Enabled Decentralized Authentication Scheme for Vehicular Networks

The problem of security and privacy in vehicular networks is a vital issue and it attracts increasing attention to address the security vulnerability of vehicular networks. Authentication solutions are introduced in vehicular networks to ensure that network access only comes from authorized users. Particularly, group signature not only offers authentication services in vehicular networks, but also provides conditional privacy preservation. However, the current group signature solution for authentication in vehicular networks exhibits time-consuming signature verification, which is attributed to the centralized certificate revocation list (CRL) management. To overcome this shortcoming, we propose utilizing edge computing approach and design a flexible and efficient decentralized authentication scheme (FEDAS). In the proposed architecture, a decentralized CRL management method is developed to reduce verification delay in the authentication process. In addition, transition zone is proposed to solve reliable authentication problem in border area of the group caused by decentralized architecture. We also conduct extensive simulations to show the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.
Traffic Sign Detection Using a Cascade Method With Fast Feature Extraction and Saliency Test

Automatic traffic sign detection is challenging due to the complexity of scene images, and fast detection is required in real applications such as driver assistance systems. In this paper, we propose a fast traffic sign detection method based on a cascade method with saliency test and neighboring scale awareness. In the cascade method, feature maps of several channels are extracted efficiently using approximation techniques. Sliding windows are pruned hierarchically using coarse-to-fine classifiers and the correlation between neighboring scales. The cascade system has only one free parameter, while the multiple thresholds are selected by a data-driven approach. To further increase speed, we also use a novel saliency test based on mid-level features to pre-prune background windows. Experiments on two public traffic sign data sets show that the proposed method achieves competing performance and runs 2~7 times as fast as most of the state-of-the-art methods.
Efficient Production of Goat and Sheep Embryos Under Similar in Vitro Conditions

In vitro embryo production (IVP) protocols often require species-specific adaptations, in order to obtain embryonic development at high rates. However, these differences in IVP protocols make interspecific comparisons more susceptible to technical factors. The work aimed to compare IVP embryo production in small ruminants (e.g. goats and sheep) using identical in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilization. Oocytes were retrieved, matured, and fertilized under identical media and atmosphere conditions, while embryos were cultured under different conditions. Goat embryos were cultured in KSOM medium under co-culture, while sheep embryos were cultured in SOF medium under low oxygen tension without feeder cells. Cleavage, morula, and blastocyst development were similar for both goat and sheep, suggesting that oocyte maturation and fertilization conditions allowed a similar developmental potential for small
Real-world clinical experience with long-term miglustat maintenance therapy in type 1 Gaucher disease: the ZAGAL project

There are few published data from real-world clinical experience with miglustat, an oral inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, in type 1 Gaucher disease. This study suggests that miglustat is an effective therapy for the long-term maintenance of patients with type 1 Gaucher disease previously stabilized with enzyme replacement therapy. There are few published data from real-world clinical experience with miglustat (Zavesca®), an oral inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, in type 1 Gaucher disease. We report data from a prospective, open-label investigational study that evaluated substrate reduction therapy with miglustat 100 mg t.i. d. as a maintenance therapy in patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease who had been switched from previous enzyme replacement therapy. Long-term data on changes in organ size, blood counts, disease severity bio-markers, bone marrow infiltration, overall clinical status and safety/tolerability were analyzed from 28 patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease who were attending routine clinic visits. Assessments were performed at six, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of therapy. Disease severity biomarkers improved up to 48 months after initiation of miglustat, while other disease parameters remained stable. Miglustat showed an acceptable profile of safety and tolerability throughout treatment. In conclusion, miglustat is an effective therapy for the long-term maintenance of patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease previously stabilized with enzyme replacement therapy.
Virulence-related protein synthesis in Naegleria fowleri

Protein synthesis patterns of the low-virulence Naegleria fowleri LEE strain from axenic culture, the same strain after mouse brain passage to increase virulence, and the same strain after growth on bacteria were studied. Comparisons of accumulated proteins, in vivo-synthesized proteins, and in vitro-synthesized proteins translated from poly(A)+ mRNA were made. Differences between amoebae from the different treatments were noted. After 6 months in axenic culture, pathogenic protein synthesis patterns were lost and there was a decrease in virulence. Therefore, the increase in virulence is correlated with numerous specific changes in protein synthesis.
Computer aided evaluation of ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease of the vertebra where abnormal bone structures (syndesmophytes) grow at intervertebral disk spaces. We provide a quantitative measure of the syndesmophytes using high resolution CT images. The first part of our algorithm segments the whole vertebra using a cascade of successive level sets that address the conflicting requirements of robustness to boundary discontinuities and flexibility needed to capture the fine structures caused by the pathology. The second part of the algorithm segments the syndesmophytes from the vertebral body and quantitates them. We use curvature information to locate the rim and end plates of the vertebra from where syndesmophytes develop. The results of our algorithm were validated by comparison with a semi-quantitative evaluation by a medical expert made by visually inspecting 3-D CT scans. Pearson correlation between the two evaluations is 0.898 (p<0.0001), and Spearman correlation is 0.906 (p<0.0001)
SOFI: A 3D simulator for the generation of underwater optical images

We present an original simulator - called SOFI - for the synthetic generation of underwater optical images. The simulator architecture is flexible and relies on flow diagrams in order to allow the integration of various models for image generation which are based on the underwater optical phenomena. The objective is also to ensure real time or quasi real time performance so it takes advantage of the latest technologies, such as GPGPU, and relies on GPU programming under CUDA. Two kinds of models for image generation are presented and should be integrated in SOFI: (1) the OSOA model based on the radiative transfer theory and (2) global image modeling which describes globally how an image is deteriorated under the effects of sea water.
A New Method for RTS Noise of Semiconductor Devices Identification

In this paper, a new method, called the noise scattering pattern method (NSP method), for random telegraph signal noise identification in the inherent noise of semiconductor devices is described. A block diagram of a noise measurement system based on the NSP method is presented. Examples of patterns of the NSP method are included.
Expression of ghrelin in the cyclic and pregnant rat ovary.

Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid acylated peptide, has been recently identified as the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor. Previous studies demonstrated that ghrelin, acting centrally, strongly stimulates GH release and food intake. In this study we provide novel evidence for the expression of ghrelin in the cyclic and pregnant rat ovary. Persistent expression of ghrelin gene was demonstrated in rat ovary throughout the estrous cycle, although its relative mRNA levels varied depending on the stage of the cycle, with the lowest levels in proestrus and peak expression values on diestrous d 1, i.e. during the luteal phase of the cycle. Ghrelin immunoreactivity was predominantly located in the luteal compartment of the ovary; with intense immunostaining being detected in steroidogenic cells from corpus luteum of the current cycle as well as in all generations of regressing corpora lutea. Indeed, predominant expression of ghrelin in the corpus luteum was confirmed using a pseudopregnant rat model, where maximum ghrelin mRNA levels were detected in dissected luteal tissue. To note, the cyclicity in the profile of ovarian expression of ghrelin appeared to be tissue specific, as it was not detected in the stomach, nor was it observed in terms of circulating ghrelin levels. In addition, cyclic expression of ovarian ghrelin mRNA was disrupted by blockade of the preovulatory gonadotropin surge and ovulation by means of administration of a potent GnRH antagonist. Finally, ghrelin mRNA expression was persistently detected in rat ovary throughout pregnancy, with higher levels in early pregnancy and lower expression during the later part of gestation. In conclusion, our data provide novel evidence for the expression of ghrelin in the cyclic and pregnant rat ovary. Dynamic changes in the profile of ghrelin expression were detected during the estrous cycle and throughout pregnancy, thus suggesting a precise regulation of ovarian expression of ghrelin. Overall, our present findings may represent an additional link between body weight homeostasis and female reproductive function.
Investigation and reduction of frequency pulling in SiGe mm-wave VCOs at limited power consumption

The influence of load variation on the oscillation frequency of wideband mm-wave VCOs in a SiGe bipolar technology is investigated theoretically and experimentally. This load variation can change the real part of the voltage gain of the oscillating transistor stage, which varies the input impedance of this stage via CCB, thus leading to the so called frequency pulling δƒosc. This effect can be reduced, at relatively low power dissipation (240mW in total for the 80GHz VCOs under investigation), by use of a common-base stage at the output of the oscillator and, furthermore, by two cross-coupled compensation diodes in the oscillator core. The latter measure slightly reduces the tuning range (from Δƒosc = 24.5GHz to still remarkable 18.7GHz), but does not degrade phase noise and output power (−97 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset frequency and 11 dBm, respectively, at center frequency).
Folding type specific secondary structure propensities of synonymous codons

We have proposed new amino acid secondary structure propensities in proteins with different folding types based on synonymous codons. They have been derived from 200 all alpha, all beta, alpha/beta, and alpha + beta proteins of known structures and their coding genes. The secondary structure propensities of the same codon in gene coding for different folding type proteins are not the same. For instance, amino acid Ile coded by AUU is indifferent to form the alpha unit in the alpha + beta protein class, but it is a former and a breaker for the alpha unit in the all alpha protein class and the alpha/beta class, respectively. On the other hand, the secondary structure propensities of different synonymous codons in the coding genes with the same folding type are also not all the same. As an example, CGU, CGG, and AGA, which are synonymous codons of Arg, are preferential to form the alpha unit in all alpha proteins, while CGA is an alpha unit breaker and the other two synonymous codons, CGC and AGG, are indifferent to form or break the alpha unit. As a result, protein secondary structure information contained both in mRNA sequences and in amino acid sequences has been introduced in these codon-based amino acid secondary structure propensities. These codon-based amino acid secondary structure propensities are helpful to in vitro protein design and protein secondary structure prediction.
Autophagy in Normal and Abnormal Early Human Pregnancies

Autophagy is an inducible catabolic process by which cells degrade and recycle materials to survive stress, starvation, and hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate autophagy at the fetal–maternal interface, to assess autophagy involvement during the early phase of human gestation, and to explore autophagic modification in case of early abnormal pregnancy outcome. Specimens were collected from first-trimester normal gestations undergoing legal termination of pregnancy and first-trimester sporadic spontaneous miscarriages. Autophagy was studied in villous and decidual samples by transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Autophagy markers were found in cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, extravillous trophoblast, and decidual stromal cells. Autophagy is physiologically involved in early normal gestation. Compared with normal pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage presents an increase in autophagy expression in villous specimens due to an increment in concentration of autophagic vacuole in syncytiotrophoblast, suggesting a cytoprotective mechanism of the cells to respond to microenvironmental challenge.
[Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, "incense") a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Results of a double-blind pilot study].

BACKGROUND Leukotrienes and prostaglandines are important mediators of inflammation. While prostaglandine synthesis can be influenced by NSAIDs therapeutical approaches to the 5-lipoxygenase pathway are rare. Resinous extracts of Boswellia serrata (H15, indish incense), known from traditional ayurvedic medicine, decrease leukotriene synthesis in vitro. Case reports suggest a clinical role for that drug. METHODS Outpatients with active RA have been enrolled into a multicenter controlled trial. Patients received 9 tablets of active drug (3600 mg) or placebo daily in addition to their previous therapy. Doses of NSAIDs could be adjusted on demand. Efficacy parameters, Ritchies Index for swelling and pain, ESR, CRP, pain on VAS and NSAID dose were documented at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after initiation. Mean values and medians were calculated to compare the groups for significant or clinically relevant change from baseline or difference between both groups at any time point of observation. RESULTS A total of 78 patients were recruited in 4 centers, the data have been published in abstract form. Only 37 patients (verum 18, placebo 19), enrolled in Ratingen were available for detailed efficacy and safety analysis. All evaluations in these patients were performed by one investigator (G.H.). There was no subjective, clinical or laboratory parameter showing a significant or clinically relevant change from baseline or difference between both groups at any time point of observation. The mean NSAID dose reduction reached levels of 5.8% (H15) and 3.1% (placebo). One patient in each group showed a good response in all parameters but 4 patients in each group worsened. The others showed no alteration of their disease. CONCLUSION Treatment with H15 showed no measurable efficacy. Controlled studies including a greater patient population are necessary to confirm or reject our results.
STTS als Part-of-Speech-Tagset in Tübinger Baumbanken

Das Stuttgart-Tubingen Tagset (STTS, Schiller et al., 1999) ist der De-facto-Standard fur das Tagging von Wortarten in deutschen Texten, und die uberwiegende Mehrzahl der POS-annotierten Ressourcen furs Deutsche – darunter die Baumbanken NeGra (Skut et al., 1997), TIGER (Brants et al., 2002), TuBa-D/S (Hinrichs et al., 2000) und TuBa-D/Z (Hinrichs et al., 2004), und viele andere Korpora – verwenden dieses Tagset. In dieser Rolle stellt das STTS in dreierlei Hinsicht einen wichtigen Referenzpunkt dar: Zum einen als ausgewiesenes Tagset fur die moderne Standardsprache, das die Interoperabilitat mit einem komplexen Gefuge an Werkzeugen sowohl zur Wortartenauszeichnung als auch zur darauf aufbauenden Auszeichnung syntaktischer und anderer Strukturen. Zum anderen ist das STTS Ausgangspunkt fur Arbeiten jenseits der geschriebenen Standardsprache, die standardsprachliche Konstrukte im Sinne der ursprunglichen Richtlinien annotieren und nur dort abweichen, wo Phanomene in der Standardsprache der Gegenwart untypisch sind oder als ungrammatisch gelten (Buchstabierungen in der gesprochensprachlichen TuBa-D/S; auseinandergeschriebene Komposita in den fruhneuhochdeutschen Texten der Mercurius-Baumbank, siehe Pauly et al., 2012; zu weiteren Beispielen siehe weitere Artikel dieser Ausgabe). Weiterhin dient das STTS solchen Annotationsvorhaben als Referenzpunkt, die aufgrund ihrer unterschiedlichen Fragestellung eine andere Granularitat der Tags anstreben. Beispiele hierfur sind das Historische Tagset (HiTS; Dipper et al., diese Ausgabe), das feingranulare Wortartentags fur die Analyse fruherer Sprachstufen des Deutschen bereitstellt, oder das sprachubergreifende Tagset von Petrov et al. (2012), das zur Vereinheitlichung zwischen Sprachen eine wesentlich grobere Granularitat als das STTS verwendet. In diesem Artikel soll es darum gehen, eine Bestandsaufnahme des STTS vor allem in der Rolle als Tagset fur Standardsprache, insbesondere anhand der in Tubingen erstellten Korpora, vorzunehmen. Eine solche Bestandsaufnahme soll verdeutlichen, welche Aspekte neben der deskriptiven Adaquatheit und der grundsatzlichen Anwendbarkeit wichtig sind, aber nur langfristig durch kontinuierliche Inspektion und Revision sichtbar werden. Die Frage, was jenseits der ursprunglichen Tagsetdefinition zu einer konsistenten Anwendung des STTS gehort, reicht dabei hinein in die ebenfalls wichtige Frage der Interoperabilitat mit bestehenden Werkzeugen und Ressourcen, die sich realiter auf eine bestimmte Ausdeutung des Standards bezieht und uber die ursprunglichen Richtlinien hinausgeht.
Free-Riding in the Lab and in the Field

To investigate the external validity of laboratory results, we combine a public good experiment with three treatments in a field experiment. One treatment offers the opportunity to free-ride, the other two are placebo treatments. We compare results within subjects. In the free-riding treatment, subjects who contribute little in the lab are less productive. This effect is quantitatively as important as the effect of ability. The correlation between lab and field disappears in the two placebo treatments. We conclude that we can use lab experiments to learn about behavior in situations that share the game form but not necessarily the frame.
Disentangling the selective factors that act on male colour in wild guppies

The colour pattern of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) is thought to evolve as a compromise between sexual selection (favouring conspicuousness) and natural selection (favouring crypsis). Underpinning this classic explanation is the observation that guppies living with dangerous fish predators are less colourful than guppies living without these predators. However, high fish-predation sites are generally farther downstream than low fish-predation sites, and so may also differ in physical habitat features related to stream size, as well as in the abundance of predatory prawns (Macrobrachium crenulatum). The goal of our study was to disentangle the effects of fish predation on colour evolution from the potential effects of physical habitat features and predation by prawns. We collected 20 male guppies from each of 29 sites in two Trinidadian rivers. We then quantified the colour pattern of these fish; each spot was measured for size and assigned to a colour category. For each site, we determined the fish predation regime and quantified stream size, water colour, canopy openness, and prawn abundance. We then used regressions to assess the relative importance of these factors in explaining variation in guppy colour. Supporting previous work, the presence of predatory fishes was the most important explanatory variable for many components of colour pattern. Physical habitat features explained some of the remaining variation, but in inconsistent ways between the two rivers. The abundance of predatory prawns also explained variation in male colour. Our results suggest that predatory fishes impose the strongest selection on the colour pattern of male guppies but that other factors are also important.
Neurodegeneration of brain networks in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–frontotemporal lobar degeneration (ALS–FTLD) continuum: evidence from MRI and MEG studies

Brain imaging techniques, especially those based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), have been increasingly applied to study multiple large-scale distributed brain networks in healthy people and neurological patients. With regard to neurodegenerative disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), clinically characterized by the predominant loss of motor neurons and progressive weakness of voluntary muscles, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the second most common early-onset dementia, have been proven to share several clinical, neuropathological, genetic, and neuroimaging features. Specifically, overlapping or mildly diverging brain structural and functional connectivity patterns, mostly evaluated by advanced MRI techniques—such as diffusion tensor and resting-state functional MRI (DT–MRI, RS–fMRI)—have been described comparing several ALS and FTLD populations. Moreover, though only pioneering, promising clues on connectivity patterns in the ALS–FTLD continuum may derive from MEG investigations. We will herein overview the current state of knowledge concerning the most advanced neuroimaging findings associated with clinical and genetic patterns of neurodegeneration across the ALS–FTLD continuum, underlying the possibility that network-based approaches may be useful to develop novel biomarkers of disease for adequately designing and monitoring more appropriate treatment strategies.
IMPROVING THE CONTROL OF SINGLE ROBOT HOSE TRANSPORT

Single robot hose transport is a limit case of linked multicomponent robotic systems, where one robot moves the tip of a hose to a desired position. The interaction between the passive, flexible hose and the robot introduces highly nonlinear effects in the system's dynamics, requiring innovative control design approaches, such as reinforcement learning. This article improves previous approaches to this problem by introducing a novel reinforcement learning algorithm (TRQ-learning) and a new system state definition for the autonomous derivation of the hose–robot control algorithm. Computational experiments based on accurate geometrically exact dynamic splines hose dynamics simulations show the improvement obtained.