Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Distributed Denial of Service Tools: The Shaft Case

In this paper we present an analysis of Shaft, an example of malware used in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. This relatively recent occurrence combines well-known denial of service attacks (such as TCP SYN flood, smurf, and UDP flood) with a distributed and coordinated approach to create a powerful program, capable of slowing network communications to a grinding halt.Denial of service attack programs, root kits, and network sniffers have been around in the computer underground for a very long time. They have not gained nearly the same level of attention by the general public as did the Morris Internet Worm of 1988, but have slowly progressed in their development. As more and more systems have come to be required for business, research, education, the basic functioning of government, and now entertainment and commerce from people's homes, the increasingly large number of vulnerable systems has converged with the development of these tools to create a situation that resulted in distributed denial of service attacks that took down the largest e-commerce and media sites on the Internet.In contrast, we provide a comparative analysis of several distributed denial of service tools (e.g., Trinoo, TFN, Stacheldraht, and Mstream), look at emerging countermeasures against some of these tools. We look at practical examples of these techniques, provide some examples from test environments and finally talk about future trends of these distributed tools.
Test Infrastructure Design for the Nexperia" Home Platform PNX8550 System Chip

Philips has adopted a modular manufacturing test strategy for its SOCs that are part of the Nexperia¿ Home Platform. The on-chip infrastructure that enables modular testing consists of wrappers and Test Access Mechanisms (TAMs). Optimizing that infrastructure minimizes the test application time and helps to fit the test data into the ATE vector memory. This paper presents the test architecture design for the chiplet-based PNX8550, the most complex Nexperia¿ SOC designed to date. Significant savings in test time and TAM wires could be obtained with the help of TR-ARCHITECT, an in-house tool for automated design of SOC test architectures.
Long- and short-term flooding effects on survival and sink-source relationships of swamp-adapted tree species.

About 95% of swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. ) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings survived continuous root flooding for more than two years, whereas none of the swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii Nutt.) and cherrybark oak (Q. falcata var. pagodifolia Ell.) seedlings survived one year of flooding. Death of oak seedlings occurred in phases associated with periods of major vegetative growth, e.g., after bud burst in spring, after summer stem elongation, and during the winter deciduous stage, suggesting that stored reserves and sources were inadequate to maintain the seedlings when vegetative sinks were forming. Additional evidence that flooding induced a source deficiency in oak was that leaves of flooded oak were 65 to 75% smaller than leaves of nonflooded oak. Flooded swamp tupelo seedlings had a normal leaf size and patchy stomatal opening compared with nonflooded seedlings. Flooding caused increases in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) specific activity in taproot cambial tissues and increases in starch concentrations of swamp tupelo seedlings that were reversed when seedlings were removed from flooding. Flooding had little effect on soluble sugar concentrations in swamp tupelo or sweetgum. In the long-term flood-dry-flood treatment, in which all species had survivors, upper canopy leaf photosynthetic rates were higher in all species during the dry period than in nonflooded controls, whereas their starch and soluble sugars concentrations were similar to those of nonflooded controls. Based on seedling survival and the sink-source relationships, the order of flood tolerance was: swamp tupelo > sweetgum > swamp chestnut oak > cherrybark oak.
Sucking, Bleeding, Breaking: On the Dialectics of Vampirism, Capital, and Time

In this paper we argue for a dialectical understanding of vampirism, capital, and time, which involves placing each of these elements in tension, both internally and in relation to each other. Starting from Marx's comments on the vampiric nature of capital, we draw out the importance of time in his argument. Rather than simply adding time to vampires and capital, we argue for a critical rethinking of time which, responding to Bergson, poses a ‘dialectic of duration’ in which time is neither simply continuous nor discontinuous. Drawing on vampire literature and film, we trace this dialectic of duration through the erratic feeding habits of vampires, of capital, and of contemporary producers and consumers. Reflecting on the meaning of time for Marx and for capital, we raise questions about resistance and the future, and conclude by outlining a temporal dialectic of capital that stresses both the reproductive risk and the political promise of the vampire.
Towards a theory of affective mind: computationally modeling the generativity of goal appraisal

A cognitive theory of how humans evaluate the goodness or badness of situations is formulated and tested using data from human participants as well as computer modeling. A specific problem of cognitive appraisal theory, goal appraisal, is formulated: how do people cognitively evaluate a situation with respect to a focal goal in the context of assumed background goals? It is shown that cognitive appraisal theory may provide useful details of how humans form beliefs about others' emotions. In other words, cognitive appraisal theory is viewed as an affective theory of mind. Three studies are described. In Study 1, participants generated inferences about the emotions of others. Using these data, a theory of how these appraisals were formed was created. In Study 2, some of the postulates of the theory were empirically verified by asking a second group of participants to rate the believability of items created and manipulated on the basis of the theory. Theory predictions about believability were upheld. In Study 3, a computer model of the theory was created and tested using believability judgments of a third group of human participants. Results indicated that the computer model created affective evaluations that were, in most cases, as believable as human generated evaluations. Desired improvements to the model and the theory were inferred from data showing cases in which computer generated appraisals were not as believable as human generated appraisals. Implications for future research and practice of special relevance to individuals with autism are identified.
Tissue Distribution and Dependence of Responsiveness of Human Antigen-Specific Memory B Cells

Memory B cells (mBCs) are a key to immunologic memory, yet their distribution within lymphoid organs and the individual role of these for mBC functionality remain largely unknown. This study characterized the distribution and phenotype of human (Ag-specific) mBCs in peripheral blood (PB), spleen, tonsil, and bone marrow. We found that the spleen harbors most mBCs, followed by tonsils, BM, and PB, and we detected no major differences in expression of markers associated with higher maturity. Testing the distribution of tetanus toxoid–specific (TT+) mBCs revealed their presence in PB during steady state, yet absolute numbers suggested their largest reservoir in the spleen, followed by tonsils. To explore the role of both tissues in the maintenance of reactive B cell memory, we revaccinated controls and splenectomized and tonsillectomized individuals with TT. All donor groups exhibited comparable emergence of anti-TT IgG, TT+ plasma cells, and TT+ mBCs in the PB, together with similar molecular characteristics of TT+ plasma cells. In summary, human mBCs recirculate through PB and reside in different lymphoid organs that do not reflect different mBC maturity stages. The spleen and tonsil, although harboring the largest number of overall and TT+ mBCs, appear to be dispensable to preserve adequate responsiveness to secondary antigenic challenge.
Adenovirus genome in the placenta: association with histological chorioamnionitis and preterm birth

Adenovirus is isolated frequently from the amniotic fluid and has been implicated in severe neonatal infections. A case control study was carried out to examine the association of detection of adenovirus in placentas with preterm birth and histological chorioamnionitis. Placentas from preterm and full term deliveries were collected prospectively. Preterm cases were divided into three subgroups according to the gestational age. PCR was carried out on placental tissues for the detection of adenovirus genome. Placentas were evaluated histologically for the presence of chorioamnionitis. Chi‐square and odds ratios (OR) were used to determine if detection of adenovirus is associated with preterm birth and histological evidence of inflammation. Seventy‐one preterm and 122 full term placentas were studied. Adenovirus genome was detected in 29 (40.8%) of preterm cases and in 25 (20.5%) of the full term controls (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4–5.1; P = 0.002). Detection of adenovirus in preterm placentas was significantly higher compared to full term particularly in the lower gestational age. Detection of adenovirus in placenta followed the seasonal variation of adenovirus infections. Thirty‐seven preterm and 21 full term placentas were also selected for paraffin inclusion and histological examination. Chorioamnionitis was present more frequently in preterm adenovirus‐positive placentas compared to preterm adenovirus‐negative placentas (75% vs. 36%; P = 0.026) as well as compared to term adenovirus‐positive placentas (75% vs. 19%; P = 0.003). This study demonstrates that adenovirus infection of the placenta is associated strongly with histological chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. J. Med. Virol. 82:1379–1383, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Native proteins trap high-energy transit conformations

Highly accurate protein structures reveal how large bond angle distortions enable “disallowed” protein folding transitions. During protein folding and as part of some conformational changes that regulate protein function, the polypeptide chain must traverse high-energy barriers that separate the commonly adopted low-energy conformations. How distortions in peptide geometry allow these barrier-crossing transitions is a fundamental open question. One such important transition involves the movement of a non-glycine residue between the left side of the Ramachandran plot (that is, ϕ < 0°) and the right side (that is, ϕ > 0°). We report that high-energy conformations with ϕ ~ 0°, normally expected to occur only as fleeting transition states, are stably trapped in certain highly resolved native protein structures and that an analysis of these residues provides a detailed, experimentally derived map of the bond angle distortions taking place along the transition path. This unanticipated information lays to rest any uncertainty about whether such transitions are possible and how they occur, and in doing so lays a firm foundation for theoretical studies to better understand the transitions between basins that have been little studied but are integrally involved in protein folding and function. Also, the context of one such residue shows that even a designed highly stable protein can harbor substantial unfavorable interactions.
Mechanical strength of 2.5D parylene C micropore-arrayed filtration membrane

This work experimentally studied the mechanical strength of the previously reported Parylene C based micropore-array membrane with a high porosity. The results indicated that the membrane, though with a high porosity, is strong enough and has a negligible pore size variation (<30 nm) during an up-to 150 mL/min filtration. The equivalent Young's modulus of the 2.5D filtration membrane were extracted preliminarily based on the experimental measurement, compared with theoretical prediction.
Confirmatory field study for the evaluation of ciclosporin at a target dose of 7.0 mg/kg (3.2 mg/lb) in the control of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis

Objectives This study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of a daily dose of 7.0 mg/kg (3.2 mg/lb) ciclosporin (CsA) in the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD), as this includes some of the most frequently suspected skin diseases in cats and recent publications have reported the successful use of CsA in the treatment of feline HD. Methods In total, 217 cats with feline HD were treated daily for 42 days with a target dose of 7 mg/kg CsA (n = 144) or a placebo control (n = 73) administered either in the food or directly in the mouth following feeding. Clinical and dermatological evaluations were conducted on days 0, 21 and 42, or study exit. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, clinical pathology and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs). Results Administration of CsA at 7.0 mg/kg produced a significant improvement in the total lesion score (P <0.0001). The average reduction from visit 1 to visit 3 was 65.1% in the CsA group (9.2% for the placebo). In addition, owners assessed 78.3% of the cases in the CsA group as a success. Statistically significant recoveries were also seen in extent of lesions, investigator assessment of overall improvement, and mean improvement in both the investigators’ and owners’ assessment of pruritus. Mild gastrointestinal disorders were the most common AEs but did not require cessation of therapy. Conclusions and relevance Results confirm that 7.0 mg/kg CsA dosed daily in food or orally for up to 6 weeks is effective and well tolerated by cats with feline HD.
Beyond service quality: The mediating role of patient safety perceptions in the patient experience-satisfaction relationship

Background: Although the extant literature on patient safety is rich, few studies have specifically examined safety from the patient perspective. In addition, little is known about how patients decide whether they are safe or satisfied with their care. From a foundation of attribution theory, we suggest that patients may interpret service quality lapses as risks to their safety, and this will influence their evaluations of their care. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among service quality, patient safety perceptions, and patient satisfaction by testing a model that hypothesized a mediating role for patient safety perceptions. Methodology: Acute care patients with recent inpatient visits at three hospitals were surveyed (Hospital 1, n = 486; Hospital 2, n = 279; Hospital 3, n = 231) to examine the relationships among service quality, safety, and satisfaction. Findings: Analysis found that patient safety perceptions partially mediated the relationship between service quality and satisfaction in Hospital 1 and fully mediated the relationship in the Hospitals 2 and 3. Thus, patient safety perceptions explained the relationship between service quality and satisfaction. Consistent with previous research, patients who reported service quality problems perceived risks to their safety. Practice Implications: Although practitioners focus heavily on the technical aspects of care, this study suggests that it would be worthwhile to pay closer attention to how patients evaluate processes of care, in particular, the processes they may use to infer their safety in the hospital.
Neurons in Action

Researchers dream of being able to harness the activity of cortical neurons to control neuroprosthetic devices that drive movement. In their Perspective, [KA¶nig and Verschure][1] discuss new findings ([ Taylor et al .][2]) suggesting that only a small group of neurons in the motor cortex may be required in a system that uses visual feedback to fine-tune neuronal activity. [1]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/296/5574/1817 [2]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/short/296/5574/1829
Benchmarking power transistors and power modules for high-temperature operation (Tj∼200°C)

Structural and construction characteristics of leading edge high-temperature SiC semiconductor devices are analyzed in this paper. Representative power devices having Tj=175°C and Tj=200°C were selected for the study: Two 1200V-SiC-based devices: ROHM's SCH2080KE and STMicro's SCT30N120. This benchmark study identifies key technologies that enable Tj = 200°C operation. In addition, two latest generation SiC-based power modules were also analyzed: ROHM's 3rd generation SiC MOSFET BSM180D12P3 and Wolfspeed's CAS325M12HM2, the latter featuring novel Si3N4 power substrate on AlSiC base-plate. Two Si-based transistors, Infineon's SPI21N10 (100V MOSFET) and STMicro's STGW40V60DLF (600V IGBT), were also included in the analysis for comparison purpose. The paper briefly describes the analyzed device structures, metallization, wire bond strength test results, EDX analysis of die attach materials, FTIR, and GC-MS analysis results of the mold resin.
Economic evaluation of FMD control strategies in the Netherlands

As agricultural trade continues to increase both volume and diversity, livestock sectors have become increasingly dependent on exports. The increasing importance of trade poses challenges to controlling contagious animal diseases. When a country is confronted with a transboundary disease like foot-and-mouth disease, the infection must be eradicated as soon as possible. A number of countries do this through large scale preventive culling, though vaccination-to-live strategies pose a compelling alternative. Compared to preventive culling, a vaccination-to-live strategy poses several differences, including the size and duration of the outbreak, total economic losses, loss distribution among different stakeholders, and consequences for financing mechanisms. But because vaccination-to-live strategies are relatively new in the European Union, markets may be slow to accept products originating from FMD-vaccinated animals. The objective of this paper is to evaluate different economic aspects of a vaccination-to-live strategy deployed to eradicate FMD in a country previously free of vaccination
Fast and Processor Efficient Parallel Matrix Multiplication Algorithms on a Linear Array With a Reconfigurable Pipelined Bus System

We present efficient parallel matrix multiplication algorithms for linear arrays with reconfigurable pipelined bus systems (LARPBS). Such systems are able to support a large volume of parallel communication of various patterns in constant time. An LARPBS can also be reconfigured into many independent subsystems and, thus, is able to support parallel implementations of divide-and-conquer computations like Strassen's algorithm. The main contributions of the paper are as follows. We develop five matrix multiplication algorithms with varying degrees of parallelism on the LARPBS computing model; namely, MM/sub 1/, MM/sub 2/, MM/sub 3/, and compound algorithms C/sub 1/(/spl epsiv/)and C/sub 2/(/spl delta/). Algorithm C/sub 1/(/spl epsiv/) has adjustable time complexity in sublinear level. Algorithm C/sub 2/(/spl delta/) implies that it is feasible to achieve sublogarithmic time using /spl sigma/(N/sup 3/) processors for matrix multiplication on a realistic system. Algorithms MM/sub 3/, C/sub 1/(/spl epsiv/), and C/sub 2/(/spl delta/) all have o(/spl Nscr//sup 3/) cost and, hence, are very processor efficient. Algorithms MM/sub 1/, MM/sub 3/, and C/sub 1/(/spl epsiv/) are general-purpose matrix multiplication algorithms, where the array elements are in any ring. Algorithms MM/sub 2/ and C/sub 2/(/spl delta/) are applicable to array elements that are integers of bounded magnitude, or floating-point values of bounded precision and magnitude, or Boolean values. Extension of algorithms MM/sub 2/ and C/sub 2/(/spl delta/) to unbounded integers and reals are also discussed.
Glandular Carcinoma of the Larynx: The Ucla Experience

Glandular carcinomas of the larynx are rare tumors that constitute less than 1 % of all laryngeal malignancies. A retrospective case review of 12 patients with glandular carcinomas of the larynx is presented to identify patient and tumor characteristics, therapeutic modalities, and treatment outcomes. Ten patients underwent surgical excision of the primary tumor, by either supraglottic laryngectomy, vertical partial laryngectomy, or total laryngectomy. Seven of these patients also received postoperative radiotherapy. After a median follow-up period of 23 months, 7 of the 12 patients (58.3%) died as a result of uncontrolled locoregional disease or distant metastases. The 5-year survival rate was 57% in patients who underwent combination therapy versus 50% for those patients who received surgery alone. Surgical resection is the primary treatment modality used in the majority of cases. Neck dissection is reserved for patients with clinically apparent adenopathy, adenocarcinoma, or high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Combination therapy with surgical resection and radiotherapy may be more effective in achieving tumor remission than is surgical resection alone.
Measurement and analysis of a large scale commercial mobile internet TV system

Large scale, Internet based mobile TV deployment presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges for mobile operators and technology providers. This paper presents a measurement based study on a large scale mobile TV service offering in China. Within the one month measurement period, our dataset captured over 1 million unique mobile devices and more than 49 million video sessions. Analysis showed that mobile viewing patterns are different from that of landline based IPTV and VoD systems. In particular, the average viewing time is significantly shorter, and the channel popularity distribution is more skewed towards top ranked channels than that of landline based systems. For the channel sojourn time, the distribution follows a piecewise model, which combines lognormal and pareto distribution. The lognormal part, which fits the majority of video sessions, more closely resembles the mobile phone call holding time, rather than the power law distribution in the landline IPTV case. In comparing the 3G and WiFi access methods, we found that users exhibit different behaviors when accessing from different networks. In 3G networks, where users are subject to data charge, users tend to have shorter channel sojourn time and prefer lower bit-rate channels. The parameters of the distributions are also different. Understanding these user behaviors and their implications on network traffic are critical for the success of future mobile TV industry.
Constrained Cepstral Speaker Recognition Using Matched UBM and JFA Training

We study constrained speaker recognition systems, or systems that model standard cepstral features that fall within particular types of speech regions. A question in modeling such systems is whether to constrain universal background model (UBM) training, joint factor analysis (JFA), or both. We explore this question, as well as how to optimize UBM model size, using a corpus of Arabic male speakers. Over a large set of phonetic and prosodic constraints, we find that the performance of a system using constrained JFA and UBM is on average 5.24% better than when using constraint-independent (all frames) JFA and UBM. We find further improvement from optimizing UBM size based on the percentage of frames covered by the constraint.