Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Comprehensible and Effective Permission Systems

How can we, as platform designers, protect computer users from the threats associated with malicious, privacy-invasive, and vulnerable applications? Modern platforms have turned away from the traditional user-based permission model and begun adopting application permission systems in an attempt to shield users from these threats. This dissertation evaluates modern permission systems with the goal of improving the security of future platforms. In platforms with application permission systems, applications are unprivileged by default and must request permissions in order to access sensitive API calls. Developers specify the permissions that their applications need, and users approve the granting of permissions. Permissions are intended to provide defense in depth by restricting the scope of vulnerabilities and user consent by allowing users to control whether third parties have access to their resources. In this dissertation we investigate whether permission systems are effective at providing defense in depth and user consent. First, we perform two studies to evaluate whether permissions provide defense in depth: we analyze applications to determine whether developers request minimal sets of permissions, and we quantify the impact of permissions on real-world vulnerabilities. Next, we evaluate whether permissions obtain the user's informed consent by surveying and interviewing users. We use the Android application and Google Chrome extension platforms for our studies; at present, they are popular platforms with extensive permission systems. Our goal is to inform the design of future platforms with our findings. We argue that permissions are a valuable addition to a platform, and our study results support continued work on permission systems. However, current permission warnings fail to inform the majority of users about the risks of applications. We propose a set of guidelines to aid in the design of more user-friendly permissions, based on our user research and relevant literature.
Cholinergic neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Transgenic mice overexpressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (PDAPP mice) develop several Alzheimer's disease (AD)–like lesions including an age‐related accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ)–containing neuritic plaques. Although aged, heterozygous PDAPP mice also exhibit synaptic and glial cell changes characteristic of AD pathology, no evidence of widespread neuronal loss has been observed. The present study sought to determine whether homozygous PDAPP mice, which express very high levels of Aβ peptide, exhibit AD‐like cholinergic degenerative changes, and whether the changes parallel the deposition of Aβ plaques. Mice were examined at 2 and 4 months and at 1 and 2 years of age. There was an age‐related increase in the density of Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus of the PDAPP animals; at 4 months of age there were very few plaques, and at 2 years there was a very high density of plaques. There was an age‐related reduction in the density of cholinergic nerve terminals in the cerebral cortex; at 2 months there was a normal density of nerve terminals, but as early as age 4 months there was an approximately 50% reduction. However, at age 2 years there was no difference in the number or size of basal forebrain cholinergic somata compared with 2‐month‐old PDAPP mice. These data indicated that the homozygous PDAPP mouse exhibits cholinergic nerve terminal degenerative pathology and that the cortical neurodegenerative changes occur before the deposition of Aβ‐containing neuritic plaques. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:371–381, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cascaded techniques for improving emphysema classification in computed tomography images

The previous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the multi-fractal based method for the classification of histo-pathologicalcases by calculating the local singularity coefficients of an image using different intensity measures. This paper proposed toimprove the previous results by investigating the features derived from the combination of the alpha-histograms and the multifractaldescriptors in the classification of Emphysema in computed tomography (CT) images. The performances of the classifiersare measured by using the classification accuracy (error matrix) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC). And further, the experimental results compared well with the local binary patterns (LBP) approach, a state-of-the-artmeasure for pulmonary Emphysema. The results also show that the proposed cascaded approach significantly improves theoverall classification accuracy.
Monte Carlo Simulations to Evaluate the Contribution of Si Bulk, Interconnects, and Packaging to Alpha-Soft Error Rates in Advanced Technologies

At ground level, alpha particles are a major source of soft errors. They may result from radioactive isotopes found in electronic device materials. In this paper, the materials' contributions to alpha particle-induced Soft Error Rate (SER) and MCU are evaluated for a 65 nm CMOS technology. The trend of SER on 45 and 32 nm is also reported in this paper. These evaluations are performed by Monte Carlo simulations, taking into account the radioactive impurity contamination levels in the device.
Partial characterization of SUVi, a new mammalian gene induced by UV‐c and expressed during the S phase of the cell cycle

By using a lacZ‐based gene‐trap approach, we identified a mammalian gene induced by UV‐C in a Chinese hamster ovary cell clone (Menichini P et al. [1997]: Nucleic Acids Res 25:4803–4807). The activity of the encoded protein fused to a bacterial β‐galactosidase was followed through the hydrolysis of different β‐galactosidase substrates. In this study we describe how the expression of this gene is modulated during the cell cycle and in response to UV‐irradiation. We show that the β‐ galactosidase activity was virtually undetectable in quiescent cells (G0), started to increase when cells progressed in G1, and reached a maximum in mid‐S phase, indicating a possible role of the endogenous protein during DNA synthesis. Following UV‐irradiation, besides a delay of the progression through the S phase, a twofold increase of the reporter protein activity in all phases of the cell cycle was observed. The partial sequence analysis showed that this gene, here named SUVi (for S phase UV‐inducible), contains a domain that is highly conserved among different helicases. Together, these data suggest that the SUVi gene could be involved in DNA synthesis, a process that takes place both in the S phase and in the processing of UV‐induced damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:76–84, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntax, and semantics-based signature database for hybrid intrusion detection systems

Signature-based intrusion detection systems (IDSs) have the advantages of producing a lower false alarm rate and using less system resources compared to anomaly based systems. However, they are susceptible to obfuscation used by attackers to introduce new variants of the attacks stored in the database. Some of the disadvantages of signature-based IDSs can be attributed to the fact that they are mostly purely syntactic and ignore the semantics of the monitored systems. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a signature database that assists a Specification-based IDS in a converged environment. Our design is novel in terms of considering the semantics of the monitored protocols alongside their syntax. Our protocol semantics awareness is based on the state transition analysis technique which models intrusions at a high level using state transition diagrams. The signature database is hierarchically designed to insure a balance between ease of use and fast retrieval in real time. The database prototype is tested against some implemented attacks and shows promising efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a Nordic Walking program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performance and body composition in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND Several studies have clearly shown that physical exercise can reduce the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, little is known about the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) program in PD patients. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a NW program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performances and body composition in PD patients. METHODS Twenty PD patients (16M, 4F, 67.3±7.8 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to NW group (NWg, n = 10) and Control group (Cg, n = 10). The training consisted in 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Training effects were assessed by functional and instrumental tests and motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed by UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, PD Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Starkstein Apathy Scale, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale. RESULTS Significant changes in resting HR, in walked distance (p < 0.05), and in lower limbs muscles strength (p < 0.005) were observed in NWg. Both balance abilities and safety with mobility were increased (p < 0.005). Significant variations in some circumferences and body composition were registered. Finally, a significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms was detected: UPDRS-III, HY scale, PFS-16, BDI-II, SAS, NMSS. CONCLUSIONS A tailored exercise program including NW proved to be an effective way to improve daily activities and both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.
13C Labeling Reveals Chloroplastic and Extrachloroplastic Pools of Dimethylallyl Pyrophosphate and Their Contribution to Isoprene Formation1

Isoprene emitted from plants is made in chloroplasts from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). Leaves of Populus nigra and Phragmites australis exposed to 13CO2 for 15 min emitted isoprene that was about 90% 13C, but DMAPP isolated from those leaves was only 28% and 36% 13C, respectively. The labeled DMAPP is likely to represent chloroplastic DMAPP contributing to isoprene emission. A substantial 13C labeling was also found in both emission and DMAPP pool of low-emitting, young leaves of Phragmites. This confirms that low emission of young leaves is not caused by absence of chloroplastic DMAPP but rather by enzyme characteristics. A very low 13C labeling was found in the DMAPP pool and in the residual isoprene emission of leaves previously fed with fosmidomycin to inhibit isoprene formation. This shows that fosmidomycin is a very effective inhibitor of the chloroplastic biosynthetic pathway of isoprene synthesis, that the residual isoprene is formed from extra-chloroplastic sources, and that chloroplastic and extrachloroplastic pathways are not cross-linked, at least following inhibition of the chloroplastic pathway. Refixation of unlabeled respiratory CO2 in the light may explain incomplete labeling of isoprene emission, as we found a good association between these two parameters.
Comparative Plasma Heparin Levels after Subcutaneous Sodium and Calcium Heparin

Summary Comparative plasma heparin levels were measured in normal subjects injected subcutaneously with 5,000 units of the sodium and calcium salts of heparin. Plasma heparin levels were measured up to 7 hr post-injection by an anti-factor Xa assay (Denson and Bonnar 1973). Preliminary studies indicated that heparin levels were reproducible in subjects who received two injections of the same heparin. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) and the time at which peak concentration was reached (Tmax) varied greatly from subject to subject. In one group of subjects (15) two commonly used heparins, a sodium heparin (Evans) and a calcium heparin (Choay) were compared. Peak heparin concentrations were not significantly different. However the Tmax for the sodium heparin (1.5 hr) was significantly earlier than the Tmax for the calcium heparin (3 hr) and this was not due to a difference in the volume of the two heparin injections. No significant difference could be detected in the plasma clearance rate and the molecular weight distribution of the two heparins. In two other groups of subjects, sodium and calcium preparations from two manufacturers were compared. In general, the sodium salts gave rise to significantly higher plasma concentrations, which could be interpreted as a greater bioavailability of sodium salts. These results indicate that the salt of the heparin can influence the plasma concentration achieved after subcutaneous injection.
ASYNCHRONOUS AUTOMATA IMPLEMENTATION USING ONLY LOGIC GATES

Abstract: The use of asynchronous sequential circuits has brought many advantages to system development, given the following examples:  Signal interface protocols (for example SCSI)  Asynchronous circuits are ideal for building modular systems. This modular structure enables a global system time checkup. The asynchronous circuits developed for high performance systems, for speeds up to 75 MHz, function correctly for lower speeds also. An asynchronous sequential system can be built from a number of modules, by interfacing them.
In-line trapping and rotation of bio-particles via 3-D micro-vortices generated by localized ultrahigh frequency acoustic resonators

This paper reports a minimized bio-particles manipulation tool utilizing localized ultrahigh frequency acoustic resonators (UHF-AR). The resonator works at frequency of 1540 MHz, which is high enough to break through scale effect and trigger localized acoustofluidic streaming (in formation of 3-D vortices) within microfluidic systems. Especially, the vortices can be precisely tuned in principle, providing versatile manipulations of microparticles. In this paper, online trapping of particles with diameter from 50 nm to tens of micrometers has been demonstrated. Furthermore, single micro-scaled bioparticle can be well confined and locally rotated by the vortices. Compared with other acoustic tweezers, the UHF-AR acoustofluidic tool owns advantages of low power consumption, minimized size and IC-compatible fabrication, which enable it convenient to integrate with compliable lab-on-a-chip devices.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone and Urocortin 3 Stimulate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression through the cAMP/CREB Pathway*

Background: Angiogenesis is a pathological component of chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Results: An angiogenic molecule VEGF-A is produced by the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family of peptides through the cAMP/CREB pathway. Conclusion: The CRH family acts as angiogenic stimulators in intestinal epithelial cells. Significance: Angiogenic regulation by the cAMP/CREB pathway constitutes novel strategies to treat IBD. Colonic epithelium is the first line of defense against various pathological offenses in the gut. Previous studies have shown that the peptides of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A production in other cells. Here we sought to investigate whether CRH and urocortin (Ucn) 3 regulate VEGF-A secretion in colonocytes through CRH receptors and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. CRH and Ucn 3 significantly increased the expression levels of VEGF-A mRNA and protein through CRH receptor 1 and 2, respectively, in human colonic epithelial cells and primary mouse intestinal epithelial cells. Underlying mechanisms involve activation of adenylyl cyclase with subsequent increase of intracellular cAMP level and increased DNA binding activity of transcription factor CREB on VEGF-A promoter region. Finally, genetic deficiency of CREB decreased intestinal inflammation and VEGF-A expression in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. These results show that activation of CRH receptors by CRH ligands stimulates VEGF-A expression in intestinal epithelial cells through the cAMP/CREB pathway. Since VEGF-A boosts inflammatory responses through angiogenesis, these data suggest that CREB may be a key effector of CRH and Ucn 3-dependent inflammatory angiogenesis.
Relationship Between Accelerometer Load, Collisions, and Repeated High-Intensity Effort Activity in Rugby League Players

Abstract Gabbett, TJ. Relationship between accelerometer load, collisions, and repeated high-intensity effort activity in rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 29(12): 3424–3431, 2015—Triaxial accelerometers have been critical in providing information on the high-acceleration, low-velocity movements that occur in team sports. In addition, these sensors have proven to be useful in quantifying the activities that do not involve the vertical acceleration associated with locomotion (e.g., tackling, on-ground wrestling, and grappling). This study investigated the relationship between Player Load (PL), 2D Player Load (2DPL), and Player Load Slow (PL Slow), collisions, and repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity in rugby league players. One hundred and eighty-two rugby league players (age, 24.3 ± 3.3 years) participated in this study. Movement was recorded using a global positioning system unit sampling at 10 Hz and triaxial accelerometer sampling at 100 Hz. Analysis was completed during 26 matches (totaling 386 appearances). Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships between PL, 2DPL, and PL Slow and total collisions and RHIE activity. When all players were considered, weak relationships were found between PL and the number of collisions and RHIE bouts performed. However, PL was strongly associated (p ⩽ 0.05) with total distance, low-speed activity, high-speed running distance, total collisions, and the number of RHIE bouts for forwards and hookers. Weak and typically insignificant relationships were found between PL, 2DPL, and PL Slow and the number of collisions and RHIE bouts performed by the adjustables and outside backs positional groups. The relationships between PL and the number of collisions and RHIE bouts are stronger in positions where contact and repeated-effort demands are high. From a practical perspective, these results suggest that PL, 2DPL, and PL Slow offer useful “real-time” measures of collision and RHIE activity, particularly in forwards and hookers, to inform interchange strategies and ensure players are training at an adequate intensity.
Restriction-Fragment—Length Polymorphisms of 5′-Flanking Region of Insulin I Gene in BB and Other Rat Strains: Absence of Association With IDDM

Because the 5′-flanking hypervariable region of the human insulin gene may be associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), we examined the spontaneously diabeticBB rat and other rat strains for polymorphisms of the two rat insulin genes, the localization of such polymorphisms, and their possible association with IDDM. By use of restriction-fragmentlength polymorphism analysis, we found that the transcribed portion of the insulin I gene, its 3′-flanking region, and the insulin II gene were not polymorphic. However, four alleles of the insulin I gene were identified, two of which (IA and IB) were found in BB rats. Alleles IA and IB varied in their 5′-flanking regions, yet neither was associated with IDDM in the BB rat.
Physical and Metabolic Interactions ofPseudomonas sp. Strain JA5-B45 andRhodococcus sp. Strain F9-D79 during Growth on Crude Oil and Effect of a Chemical Surfactant on Them

ABSTRACT Methods to enhance crude oil biodegradation by mixed bacterial cultures, for example, (bio)surfactant addition, are complicated by the diversity of microbial populations within a given culture. The physical and metabolic interactions between Rhodococcus sp. strain F9-D79 and Pseudomonas sp. strain JA5-B45 were examined during growth on Bow River crude oil. The effects of a nonionic chemical surfactant, Igepal CO-630 (nonylphenol ethoxylate), also were evaluated. Strain F9-D79 grew attached to the oil-water interface and produced a mycolic acid-containing capsule. Crude oil emulsification and surface activity were associated with the cellular fraction. Strain JA5-B45 grew in the aqueous phase and was unable to emulsify oil, but cell-free supernatants mediated kerosene-water emulsion formation. In coculture, stable emulsions were formed and strain JA5-B45 had an affinity for the capsule produced by strain F9-D79. Igepal CO-630 inhibited F9-D79 cells from adhering to the interface, and cells grew dispersed in the aqueous phase as 0.5-μm cocci rather than 2.5-μm rods. The surfactant increased total petroleum hydrocarbon removal by strain JA5-B45 from 4 to 22% and included both saturated compounds and aromatics. In coculture, TPH removal increased from 13 to 40% following surfactant addition. The culture pH normally increased from 7.0 to between 7.5 and 8.5, although addition of Igepal CO-630 to F9-D79 cultures resulted in a drop to pH 5.5. We suggest a dual role for the nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant in the coculture: (i) to improve hydrocarbon uptake by strain JA5-B45 through emulsification and (ii) to prevent strain F9-D79 from adhering to the oil-water interface, indirectly increasing hydrocarbon availability. These varied effects on hydrocarbon biodegradation could explain some of the known diversity of surfactant effects.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) is present in the nucleus of cardiac myocytes and is capable of cleaving poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in vitro

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are traditionally known for their role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Increasing evidence reveals several alternative substrates and novel biological roles for these proteases. Recent evidence showed the intracellular localization of MMP‐2 within cardiac myocytes, colocalized with troponin I within myofilaments. Here we investigated the presence of MMP‐2 in the nucleus of cardiac myocytes using both immunogold electron microscopy and biochemical assays with nuclear extracts. The gelatinase activity found in both human heart and rat liver nuclear extracts was blocked with MMP inhibitors. In addition, the ability of MMP‐2 to cleave poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) as a substrate was examined as a possible role for MMP‐2 in the nucleus. PARP is a nuclear matrix enzyme involved in the repair of DNA strand breaks, which is known to be inactivated by proteolytic cleavage. PARP was susceptible to cleavage by MMP‐2 in vitro in a concentration‐dependent manner, yielding novel degradation products of ~66 and <45 kDa. The cleavage of PARP by MMP‐2 was also blocked by MMP inhibitors. This is the first characterization of MMP‐2 within the nucleus and we hereby suggest its possible role in PARP degradation.