Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fault-Tolerant Network Intrusion Detection System

Network intrusion detection systems can play a determinant role in providing adequate security to an organization, and so it is important that those systems are given the chance to analyze as much of the available data as possible. However, it is known that under certain conditions, in particular when under heavy load, they may lose some network packets. In this paper, the possibility of minimizing intrusion detection systems omission failures by using multiple replicas of an intrusion detection system was researched. The underlying idea is the fact that the probability of loss of a given packet by the set of replicas should be lower than the probability of loss of that packet by a system composed by a single intrusion detection instance. For this, a synchronization layer, sitting between the packet capture layer and the intrusion detection layer was developed. While the synchronization protocol is usually required precisely when conditions are more demanding and the ability to recover packets may for that reason be limited, results suggest that at least on some scenarios, such as in the occurrence of traffic bursts or of short processing overloads, the synchronization mechanism could prove to be useful.
Conferencing on trees

In this paper, we develop an optimal scheme for conferencing (i.e. all-to-all communication), in communication networks. Our scheme uses the minimum sum rate. First we state a lower bound on sum rate and show how to achieve it on networks with tree topology. This result can be used on general networks considering the spanning tree which connects the conferencing nodes.
Deeper Penetration of Erythrocytes into the Endothelial Glycocalyx Is Associated with Impaired Microvascular Perfusion

Changes in endothelial glycocalyx are one of the earliest changes in development of cardiovascular disease. The endothelial glycocalyx is both an important biological modifier of interactions between flowing blood and the vessel wall, and a determinant of organ perfusion. We hypothesize that deeper penetration of erythrocytes into the glycocalyx is associated with reduced microvascular perfusion. The population-based prospective cohort study (the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity [NEO] study) includes 6,673 middle-aged individuals (oversampling of overweight and obese individuals). Within this cohort, we have imaged the sublingual microvasculature of 915 participants using sidestream darkfield (SDF) imaging together with a recently developed automated acquisition and analysis approach. Presence of RBC (as a marker of microvascular perfusion) and perfused boundary region (PBR), a marker for endothelial glycocalyx barrier properties for RBC accessibility, were assessed in vessels between 5 and 25 µm RBC column width. A wide range of variability in PBR measurements, with a mean PBR of 2.14 µm (range: 1.43–2.86 µm), was observed. Linear regression analysis showed a marked association between PBR and microvascular perfusion, reflected by RBC filling percentage (regression coefficient β: −0.034; 95% confidence interval: −0.037 to −0.031). We conclude that microvascular beds with a thick (“healthy”) glycocalyx (low PBR), reflects efficient perfusion of the microvascular bed. In contrast, a thin (“risk”) glycocalyx (high PBR) is associated with a less efficient and defective microvascular perfusion.
Intelligent system for non-destructive evaluation of historic walls using Ground-Penetrating Radar

This paper presents a novel system for application in evaluation of ashlar masonry walls inspected with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The system includes the following processing of the GPR signal: elimination of the background from the backscattered signals; depth resolution enhancing; automatic gain control for visualization; and automatic generation of B-Scans (radargrams) of the internal state of the wall. Inhomogeneities in the structure of the wall are detected from the B-Scans. Several experiments were made on scale models of historic ashlar masonry walls. Controlled loads with different weights were applied on the walls, and the corresponding B-Scans were obtained. It is demonstrated the capability of the system for the detection of nook and crack flaws, and for characterizing the deformations of the walls under different steps of weight loads.
3 D CRATER DATABASE PRODUCTION ON MARS BY AUTOMATED CRATER DETECTION AND DATA FUSION

Impact crater databases are a key resource for planetary geologists. Uses include studies of relative and absolute surface (age) chronologies, erosional processes, hydrological evolution and climate history. This paper describes the creation of 2D and 3D Mars crater databases from high resolution HRSC stereo imagery using data fusion and automated crater detection methods. A semiautomated process has been developed which incorporates a software GIS tool to facilitate the statistical assessment of detection rates and quality as well as provide 100% coverage with minimal human interaction. A specialized stereo matching system for impact craters using high quality HRSC stereo imagery with derived 2D crater boundaries was subsequently developed and applied. Using this tool, the best possible 3D profiles for various scale ranges were then extracted and cross verified using the 2D crater data. The algorithms which are demonstrated in this paper will provide a very powerful tool for future planetary studies. * Corresponding author
Control strategies for the index finger of a tendon-driven hand

To understand how versatile dexterity is achieved in the human hand and to achieve it in a robotic form, we have constructed an anatomically correct testbed (ACT) hand. This paper focuses on the development of control strategies for the index finger motion and implementation of joint passive behavior in the ACT hand. A direct muscle position control and a force-optimized joint control are implemented for position tracking through muscle force control. The relationships between the muscle and joint motions play a critical role in both of the controllers and we implemented a Gaussian process regression technique to determine these relationships. Our experiments demonstrate that the direct muscle position controller allows for fast position tracking, while the force-optimized joint controller allows for the exploitation of actuation redundancy in the finger critical for this redundant system. We demonstrate that by implementing a passive force–length relationship at each muscle we are able to precisely match joint stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the ACT to that of a human MCP joint. We also show the results from improved position tracking when implemented in the presence of passive muscle control schemes. The control schemes for position tracking and passive behavior are inspired by human neuromuscular control, and form the building blocks for developing future human-like control approaches.
Similarity Metric Learning for a Variable-Kernel Classifier

Nearest-neighbor interpolation algorithms have many useful properties for applications to learning, but they often exhibit poor generalization. In this paper, it is shown that much better generalization can be obtained by using a variable interpolation kernel in combination with conjugate gradient optimization of the similarity metric and kernel size. The resulting method is called variable-kernel similarity metric (VSM) learning. It has been tested on several standard classification data sets, and on these problems it shows better generalization than backpropagation and most other learning methods. The number of parameters that must be determined through optimization are orders of magnitude less than for backpropagation or radial basis function (RBF) networks, which may indicate that the method better captures the essential degrees of variation in learning. Other features of VSM learning are discussed that make it relevant to models for biological learning in the brain.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Pyrococcus sp. Strain ST04, Isolated from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Sulfide Chimney on the Juan de Fuca Ridge

ABSTRACT Pyrococcus sp. strain ST04 is a hyperthermophilic, anaerobic, and heterotrophic archaeon isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal sulfide chimney on the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. To further understand the distinct characteristics of this archaeon at the genome level (polysaccharide utilization at high temperature and ATP generation by a Na+ gradient), the genome of strain ST04 was completely sequenced and analyzed. Here, we present the complete genome sequence analysis results of Pyrococcus sp. ST04 and report the major findings from the genome annotation, with a focus on its saccharolytic and metabolite production potential.
Cubic-based 3-D localization for wireless sensor networks

Localization using sensor network has attracted much attention for its comparable low-cost and potential use with monitoring and targeting purposes in real and hostile application scenarios. Currently, there are many available approaches to locate persons/things based of GPS and RFID technologies. However, in some application scenario, e.g., disaster rescue application, such localization devices may be damaged and may not provide the location information of the survivors. The main goal of this paper is to design and develop a robust localization technique for human existence detection in case of disasters such as earthquake or fire. In this paper, we propose a 3-D localization technique based on the hop-count data collected from sensor anchors to estimate the location of the activated sensor mote in 3-D coordination. Our algorithm incorporates two salient features, grid-based output and event-triggering mechanism, to guarantee both improve accuracy and power efficiency. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can improve the localization precision of the human existence and work well in real environment.
Yield Potential of Sugar Beet – Have We Hit the Ceiling?

The yield of sugar beet has continuously increased in the past decades. The question arises, whether this progress will continue in the future. A key factor for increasing yield potential of the crop is breeding progress. It was related to a shift in assimilate partitioning in the plant toward more storage carbohydrates (sucrose), whereas structural carbohydrates (leaves, cell wall compounds) unintendedly declined. The yield potential of sugar beet was estimated at 24 t sugar ha-1. For maximum yield, sufficient growth factors have to be available and the crop has to be able to fully utilize them. In sugar beet, limitations result from the lacking coincidence of maximum irradiation rates and full canopy cover, sink strength for carbon assimilation and high water demand, which cannot be met by rainfall alone. After harvest, sugar losses during storage occur. The paper discusses options for a further increase in yield potential, like autumn sowing of sugar beet, increasing sink strength and related constraints. It is prospected that yield increase by further widening the ratio of storage and structural carbohydrates will come to its natural limit as a certain cell wall stability is necessary. New challenges caused by climate change and by prolonged processing campaigns will occur. Thus breeding for improved pathogen resistance and storage properties will be even more important for successful sugar beet production than a further increase in yield potential itself.
Screen for Leukotoxin Mutants in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: Genes of the Phosphotransferase System Are Required for Leukotoxin Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT Aggregatibacter (formerly Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans is a pathogen that causes localized aggressive periodontitis and extraoral infections including infective endocarditis. Recently, we reported that A. actinomycetemcomitans is beta-hemolytic on certain growth media due to the production of leukotoxin (LtxA). Based on this observation and our ability to generate random transposon insertions in A. actinomycetemcomitans, we developed and carried out a rapid screen for LtxA mutants. Using PCR, we mapped several of the mutations to genes that are known or predicted to be required for LtxA production, including ltxA, ltxB, ltxD, and tdeA. In addition, we identified an insertion in a gene previously not recognized to be involved in LtxA biosynthesis, ptsH. ptsH encodes the protein HPr, a phosphocarrier protein that is part of the sugar phosphotransferase system. HPr results in the phosphorylation of other proteins and ultimately in the activation of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP (cAMP) production. The ptsH mutant showed only partial hemolysis on blood agar and did not produce LtxA. The phenotype was complemented by supplying wild-type ptsH in trans, and real-time PCR analysis showed that the ptsH mutant produced approximately 10-fold less ltxA mRNA than the wild-type strain. The levels of cAMP in the ptsH mutant were significantly lower than in the wild-type strain, and LtxA production could be restored by adding exogenous cAMP to the culture.
Friction and Wear Characteristics of Water-Based ZnO and Al2O3 Nanofluids

In recent years, nanofluids have been an active area of research due to their enhanced thermal conductivity over base fluids. However, the tribological properties of nanofluids have not been thoroughly studied. In this research, friction and wear characteristics of water-based nanofluids was carried out. Commercially available water-based nanofluids with 50% ZnO and 50% Al2O3 nanoparticle concentration were used as the lubricant. The 50% concentration nanofluids were diluted using deionized water and an ultrasonic bath into different volume concentrations. The effects of nanoparticle type, particle concentration, and surface roughness of the specimen on the friction and wear characteristics were investigated. The friction and wear tests were performed using a UMT-2 Micro-Tribometer with a ball-on-disk configuration. The surface roughness and wear volume were measured using a WYKO 3D optical surface profiler, and chemical characterization analysis was done using a PHI 5000 VersaProbe X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). It was found that nanoparticles have a great effect on the friction and wear characteristics of lubricants.
Temperature-dependent elastic moduli of lead telluride-based thermoelectric materials

In the open literature, reports of mechanical properties are limited for semiconducting thermoelectric materials, including the temperature dependence of elastic moduli. In this study, for both cast ingots and hot-pressed billets of Ag-, Sb-, Sn- and S-doped PbTe thermoelectric materials, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) was utilized to determine the temperature dependence of elastic moduli, including Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio. This study is the first to determine the temperature-dependent elastic moduli for these PbTe-based thermoelectrics, and among the few determinations of elasticity of any thermoelectric material for temperatures above 300 K. The Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, measured from room temperature to 773 K during heating and cooling, agreed well. Also, the observed Young's modulus, E, versus temperature, T, relationship, E(T) = E 0(1–bT), is consistent with predictions for materials in the range well above the Debye temperature. A nanoindentation study of Young's modulus on the specimen faces showed that both the cast and hot-pressed specimens were approximately elastically isotropic.
Face Recognition Assisted With 3D Face Model

This paper presents a 3D active deformable model assisted face recognition method across variations in pose and illumination. An active deformable model is built based on the prototypical 3D faces aligned by the uniform mesh resampling combined with mesh simplification based 3D face alignment algorithm. The active deformable model is first employed to reconstruct 3D face from the input 2D face image, and also exploited to estimate the rotation angles of the head according to the image. The rotation angles are used as the assisted information to tackle the variation in pose. An illumination regulating approach based on the distribution of the monocular grayscale intensity of the images is presented to tackle the variation in illumination during the face recognition. Experimental results on the CMU-PIE database show the good performance of the recognition system.
Unraveling Molecular Signatures of Immunostimulatory Adjuvants in the Female Genital Tract through Systems Biology

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) unequivocally represent a major public health concern in both industrialized and developing countries. Previous efforts to develop vaccines for systemic immunization against a large number of STIs in humans have been unsuccessful. There is currently a drive to develop mucosal vaccines and adjuvants for delivery through the genital tract to confer protective immunity against STIs. Identification of molecular signatures that can be used as biomarkers for adjuvant potency can inform rational development of potent mucosal adjuvants. Here, we used systems biology to study global gene expression and signature molecules and pathways in the mouse vagina after treatment with two classes of experimental adjuvants. The Toll-like receptor 9 agonist CpG ODN and the invariant natural killer T cell agonist alpha-galactosylceramide, which we previously identified as equally potent vaginal adjuvants, were selected for this study. Our integrated analysis of genome-wide transcriptome data determined which signature pathways, processes and networks are shared by or otherwise exclusive to these 2 classes of experimental vaginal adjuvants in the mouse vagina. To our knowledge, this is the first integrated genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the effects of immunomodulatory adjuvants on the female genital tract of a mammal. These results could inform rational development of effective mucosal adjuvants for vaccination against STIs.
Stability and Efficiency of Unstructured File Sharing Networks

We propose two unstructured file sharing games, unilateral and bilateral unstructured file sharing games, to study the interaction among self-interested players (users) of unstructured P2P file sharing applications. In a unilateral unstructured file sharing game, players compete for network resources (link bandwidth) by opening multiple connections to each other on multiple paths so as to maximize their individual benefits. A player always allows other players to connect to itself. Multiple concurrent connections are allowed on any path between a pair of players. Per-connection throughput is determined by the transport protocol implemented by users' computers. In a bilateral unstructured file sharing game, users adopt a Tit-for-Tat strategy, under which an active connection between two players is set up only when they both find it beneficial. Two players can set up at most one connection between themselves and bottlenecks occur only at upstream access links in a star network. For both games, we prove the existence of an equilibrium, quantify the efficiency losses of equilibria, and demonstrate the dynamic stability of equilibria in best-response or better-response dynamic game playing processes.
Longitudinal Performance of Infants with Cerebral Palsy on the Test of Infant Motor Performance and on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale

Understanding the natural history of development in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is important for studying the consequences of early intervention. The purpose of this paper is to present results on the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) from 0-4 months of age and on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) from 3 to 12 months of age in a group of infants later diagnosed as having CP. Ages at which infants with CP were first recognized as having delayed motor performance on each instrument and the stability of performance over time are presented. Clinical implications for using both instruments are discussed.
Negative Regulation of TLR Responses by the Neuropeptide CGRP Is Mediated by the Transcriptional Repressor ICER1

Communication between the nervous and immune systems involves the release of neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), from sensory nerves during inflammation. CGRP may inhibit the activities of both innate and adaptive immune cells, but the molecular pathways underlying this function are largely unknown. In this study, we identify CGRP as a potent inhibitor of TLR-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α and CCL4, by murine dendritic cells. Inhibition of TLR responses was independent of IL-10 and did not involve perturbation of canonical TLR signaling, including activation of MAPK and NF-κB. Instead, the inhibitory activity of CGRP was mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway leading to rapid up-regulation of the transcriptional repressor, inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Ectopically expressed ICER directly repressed the LPS-stimulated activity of a synthetic Tnf promoter, as well as TNF-α protein production driven by the endogenous promoter. Inhibition of dendritic cell gene expression by CGRP was associated with the presence of a composite cAMP response element/κB promoter element. In a murine model of endotoxemia, CGRP markedly attenuated serum TNF-α levels, and this effect was associated with the up-regulation of ICER. Together, these results establish a novel pathway for the negative regulation of TLR responses through the nervous system that critically involves induction of the transcriptional repressor ICER by the neuropeptide CGRP.
Hedgehog signaling plays a cell-autonomous role in maximizing cardiac developmental potential

Elucidation of the complete roster of signals required for myocardial specification is crucial to the future of cardiac regenerative medicine. Prior studies have implicated the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the regulation of multiple aspects of heart development. However, our understanding of the contribution of Hh signaling to the initial specification of myocardial progenitor cells remains incomplete. Here, we show that Hh signaling promotes cardiomyocyte formation in zebrafish. Reduced Hh signaling creates a cardiomyocyte deficit, and increased Hh signaling creates a surplus. Through fate-mapping, we find that Hh signaling is required at early stages to ensure specification of the proper number of myocardial progenitors. Genetic inducible fate mapping in mouse indicates that myocardial progenitors respond directly to Hh signals, and transplantation experiments in zebrafish demonstrate that Hh signaling acts cell autonomously to promote the contribution of cells to the myocardium. Thus, Hh signaling plays an essential early role in defining the optimal number of cardiomyocytes, making it an attractive target for manipulation of multipotent progenitor cells.
Investigating the impact of NBTI on different power saving cache strategies

The occupancy of caches has tended to be dominated by the logic bit value ‘0’ approximately 75% of the time. Periodic bit flipping can reduce this to 50%. Combining cache power saving strategies with bit flipping can lower the effective logic bit value ‘0’ occupancy ratios even further. We investigate how Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) affects different power saving cache strategies employing symmetric and asymmetric 6- transistor (6T) and 8T Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cells. We notice that greater than 38% to 66% of the recovery in stability parameters (SNM and WNM) under different power saving cache strategies have been achieved for different SRAM cells based caches. We also study the process variations effect along with NBTI for 32nm and 45nm technology node. It is observed that the rate of recovery in asymmetric SRAM cells based caches is slightly higher than the symmetric and 8T SRAM cells based caches.