Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Group Signatures with Message-Dependent Opening: Formal Definitions and Constructions

This paper introduces a new capability for group signatures called message-dependent opening. It is intended to weaken the high trust placed on the opener; i.e., no anonymity against the opener is provided by an ordinary group signature scheme. In a group signature scheme with message-dependent opening (GS-MDO), in addition to the opener, we set up an admitter that is not able to extract any user’s identity but admits the opener to open signatures by specifying messages where signatures on the specified messages will be opened by the opener. The opener cannot extract the signer’s identity from any signature whose corresponding message is not specified by the admitter. This paper presents formal definitions of GS-MDO and proposes a generic construction of it from identity-based encryption and adaptive non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs. Moreover, we propose two specific constructions, one in the standard model and one in the random oracle model. Our scheme in the standard model is an instantiation of our generic construction but the message-dependent opening property is bounded. In contrast, our scheme in the random oracle model is not a direct instantiation of our generic construction but is optimized to increase efficiency and achieves the unbounded message-dependent opening property. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that GS-MDO implies identity-based encryption, thus implying that identity-based encryption is essential for designing GS-MDO schemes.
A Secure and Efficient ECC-Based Anonymous Authentication Protocol

Nowadays, remote user authentication protocol plays a great role in ensuring the security of data transmission and protecting the privacy of users for various network services. In this study, we discover two recently introduced anonymous authentication schemes are not as secure as they claimed, by demonstrating they suffer from offline password guessing attack, desynchronization attack, session key disclosure attack, failure to achieve user anonymity, or forward secrecy. Besides, we reveal two environment-specific authentication schemes have weaknesses like impersonation attack. To eliminate the security vulnerabilities of existing schemes, we propose an improved authentication scheme based on elliptic curve cryptosystem. We use BAN logic and heuristic analysis to prove our scheme provides perfect security attributes and is resistant to known attacks. In addition, the security and performance comparison show that our scheme is superior with better security and low computation and communication cost.
Consistent Shape Matching via Coupled Optimization

We propose a new method for computing accurate point‐to‐point mappings between a pair of triangle meshes given imperfect initial correspondences. Unlike the majority of existing techniques, we optimize for a map while leveraging information from the inverse map, yielding results which are highly consistent with respect to composition of mappings. Remarkably, our method considers only a linear number of candidate points on the target shape, allowing us to work directly with high resolution meshes, and to avoid a delicate and possibly error‐prone up‐sampling procedure. Key to this dimensionality reduction is a novel candidate selection process, where the mapped points drift over the target shape, finalizing their location based on intrinsic distortion measures. Overall, we arrive at an iterative scheme where at each step we optimize for the map and its inverse by solving two relaxed Quadratic Assignment Problems using off‐the‐shelf optimization tools. We provide quantitative and qualitative comparison of our method with several existing techniques, and show that it provides a powerful matching tool when accurate and consistent correspondences are required.
User Evaluation of Map-Based Visual Analytic Tools

Big data have also become a big challenge for cartographers, as the majority of big data may be localized. The use of visual analytics tools, as well as comprising interactive maps, stimulates inter-disciplinary actors to explore new ideas and decision-making methods. This paper deals with the evaluation of three map-based visual analytics tools by means of the eye-tracking method. The conceptual part of the paper begins with an analysis of the state-of-the-art and ends with the design of proof-of-concept experiments. The verification part consists of the design, composition, and realization of the conducted eye-tracking experiment, in which three map-based visual analytics tools were tested in terms of user-friendliness. A set of recommendations on GUI (graphical user interface) design and interactive functionality for map makers is formulated on the basis of the discovered errors and shortcomings in the assessed stimuli. The results of the verification were used as inputs for improving the three tested map-based visual analytics tools and might serve as a best practice for map-based visual analytics tools in general, as well as for improving the policy making cycle as elaborated by the European project PoliVisu (Policy Development based on Advanced Geospatial Data Analytics and Visualization).
Multifaceted Geometric Assessment towards Simplified Urban Surfaces Built by 3D Reconstruction

Large-scale three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from multi-view images is used to generate 3D mesh surfaces, which are usually built for urban areas and are widely applied in many research hotspots, such as smart cities. Their simplification is a significant step for 3D roaming, pattern recognition, and other research fields. The simplification quality has been assessed in several studies. On the one hand, almost all studies on surface simplification have measured simplification errors using the surface comparison tool Metro, which does not preserve sufficient detail. On the other hand, the reconstruction precision of urban surfaces varies as a result of homogeneity or heterogeneity. Therefore, it is difficult to assess simplification quality without surface classification. These difficulties are addressed in this study by first classifying urban surfaces into planar surfaces, detailed surfaces, and urban frameworks according to the simplification errors of different types of surfaces and then measuring these errors after sampling. A series of assessment indexes are also provided to contribute to the advancement of simplification algorithms.
Collection and Analysis of Source Code Metrics for Composition of Programming Learning Profiles

This paper presents an approach for the application of clustering algorithms to uncover computer programming learning profiles by using evidence extracted from source code metrics. A system for automatic assessment of programming activities featuring capture of source code metrics was developed, in order to build a dataset containing metrics extracted from programs developed by beginners in a computing course. The dataset was submitted to three clustering algorithms. The results were promising when clustering students according to these indicators using the K-means algorithm.
LINC00491 as a new molecular marker can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma cells

Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple tumors. However, the roles of lncRNAs during colon adenocarcinoma and cancer progression remain unclear. This study aimed identify new lncRNAs that act as molecular markers for the prevention and diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data associated with colon adenocarcinoma were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Biological processes in Gene Ontology (Go) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) were searched for pathways at the significance level. The expression of LINC00491 and its downstream targets were assessed by real-time PCR, Western blotting and dual-luciferase assays. Biological functions of LINC00491 during cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed using CCK-8, colony formation assays, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays in colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 and HCT116 cells. Results Bioinformatics analysis with the TCGA colon adenocarcinoma dataset showed that LINC00491 was significantly up-regulated in colon adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we found that LINC00491 positively regulates SERPINE1 expression through sponging miR-145 and promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma cells, thus playing an oncogenic role during colon adenocarcinoma pathogenesis. Conclusion LINC00491 functions as a ceRNA to promote SERPINE1 expression by sponging miR-145. LINC00491 serves as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in colon adenocarcinoma.
Dosimetric comparison of different algorithms in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plan for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Purposes The main aim of the study was to investigate the dosimetric difference between acuros XB algorithm (AXB), anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA), and pencil beam convolution (PBC) algorithm in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plan for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Thirty-eight NSCLC patients were included. GTV, PTV, and organs at risk were delineated by the radiation oncologists. Three optimized SBRT plans for each patients were gained using three algorithms of AXB, AAA, and PBC with the identical plan parameters. Dosimetric endpoints were collected and compared among the three plans, including dosimetric criteria: V100%, V90%, PTV Dmin, Dmax, Dmean, homogeneity index (HI), and Paddick conformity index (CI). Results AXB plan resulted in decreased V100% with a mean difference 6.14% compared with PBC plan (For V100%, AXB vs AAA vs PBC=93.44% vs 95.54% vs 99.58%, P<0.05). Three plans showed no significant difference as to the parameter V90%. AXB plan leaded to reduced Dmin of PTV compared with other two algorithms (For Dmin of PTV, AXB vs AAA vs PBC=4048cGy vs 4365Gy vs 4873Gy, P<0.05). PBC induced the enhanced trend of Dmax of PTV compared with other two algorithms (Dmax among three algorithms, P>0.05); and increased the Dmean of PTV in three algorithms with significant difference (For Dmean of PTV, AXB vs AAA vs PBC=5332cGy vs 5330Gy vs 5785Gy, P<0.05). AXB algorithm achieved a similar plan conformity with other two algorithms (For CI, AXB vs AAA vs PBC=0.80 vs 0.85 vs 0.71, P>0.05). Conclusion For SBRT plan of NSCLC, AAA and PBC algorithms overestimate target coverage, AXB algorithm is recommended for the SBRT plan of NSCLC.
Comparative Study of the Vibrational Optical Activity Techniques in Structure Elucidation: The Case of Galantamine

The absolute configuration of the alkaloid galantamine was studied using a range of solution-state techniques; nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and Raman optical activity (ROA). While the combined use of NMR and VCD does provide a fast, high-resolution methodology for determining the absolute configuration of galantamine, both techniques were needed in concert to achieve this goal. ROA, on the other hand, proved to be sensitive enough to assign the full absolute configuration without relying on other techniques. In both cases, statistical validation was applied to aid the determination of absolute configuration. In the case of galantamine, ROA combined with statistical validation is shown to be a powerful stand-alone tool for absolute configuration determination.
Methionine adenosyltransferases in liver cancer

Methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs) are essential enzymes for life as they produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the biological methyl donor required for a plethora of reactions within the cell. Mammalian systems express two genes, MAT1A and MAT2A, which encode for MATα1 and MATα2, the catalytic subunits of the MAT isoenzymes, respectively. A third gene MAT2B, encodes a regulatory subunit known as MATβ which controls the activity of MATα2. MAT1A, which is mainly expressed in hepatocytes, maintains the differentiated state of these cells, whilst MAT2A and MAT2B are expressed in extrahepatic tissues as well as non-parenchymal cells of the liver (e.g., hepatic stellate and Kupffer cells). The biosynthesis of SAMe is impaired in patients with chronic liver disease and liver cancer due to decreased expression and inactivation of MATα1. A switch from MAT1A to MAT2A/MAT2B occurs in multiple liver diseases and during liver growth and dedifferentiation, but this change in the expression pattern of MATs results in reduced hepatic SAMe level. Decades of study have utilized the Mat1a-knockout (KO) mouse that spontaneously develops non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to elucidate a variety of mechanisms by which MAT proteins dysregulation contributes to liver carcinogenesis. An increasing volume of work indicates that MATs have SAMe-independent functions, distinct interactomes and multiple subcellular localizations. Here we aim to provide an overview of MAT biology including genes, isoenzymes and their regulation to provide the context for understanding consequences of their dysregulation. We will highlight recent breakthroughs in the field and underscore the importance of MAT’s in liver tumorigenesis as well as their potential as targets for cancer therapy.
Fabrication and evaluation of novel quercetin-conjugated Fe3O4–β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles for potential use in epilepsy disorder

Background Despite the numerous pharmacological activities of quercetin, its biomedical application has been hampered, because of poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. In the present study, we fabricated a novel form of quercetin-conjugated Fe3O4–β-cyclodextrin (βCD) nanoparticles (NPs), and the effect of these prepared NPs was evaluated in a chronic model of epilepsy. Methods Quercetin-loaded NPs were prepared using an iron oxide core coated with βCD and pluronic F68 polymer. The chronic model of epilepsy was developed by intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) at dose of 36.5 mg/kg every second day. Quercetin or its nanoformulation at doses of 25 or 50 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally 10 days before PTZ injections and their applications continued 1 hour before each PTZ injection. Immunostaining was performed to evaluate the neuronal density and astrocyte activation of hippocampi. Results Our data showed successful fabrication of quercetin onto Fe3O4–βCD NPs. In comparison to free quercetin, quercetin NPs markedly reduced seizure behavior, neuronal loss, and astrocyte activation in a PTZ-induced kindling model. Conclusion Overall, quercetin–Fe3O4–βCD NPs might be regarded as an ideal therapeutic approach in epilepsy disorder.
Thermo-chemotherapy inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via suppression of EIF5A2 expression

Purpose Thermo-chemotherapy (TCT) is a new approach for the treatment of cancer that combines chemotherapy with thermotherapy. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) and TCT sensitivity in gastric cancer (GC) to further illuminate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of TCT on GC. Methods A TCT cell model was constructed, and EIF5A2 was silenced or overexpressed by infection with a lentivirus expressing either EIF5A2 or EIF5A2 shRNA. Then, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to evaluate the changes in the expression levels of EIF5A2, c-myc, vimentin, and E-cadherin. Cell proliferation and xenograft assays were conducted to evaluate the effect on cell proliferation. Finally, wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to evaluate the effects on migration and invasion. Results TCT reduced EIF5A2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. It also inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, downregulated the expression of c-myc and vimentin, and increased the expression of E-cadherin in both MKN28 and MKN45 cells. Silencing of EIF5A2 enhanced the above effects of TCT on MKN28 and MKN45 cells, while overexpression of EIF5A2 had the opposite effects. In addition, EIF5A2 overexpression weakened the inhibitory effect of TCT on tumor growth in vivo as well as the effects on c-myc, vimentin, and E-cadherin. Conclusion TCT inhibits GC cell proliferation and metastasis by suppressing EIF5A2 expression. Our results provide new insights into our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of TCT in GC.
Patient interpretation of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) Short Form

Background The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) is a patient-reported instrument for assessment of nutrition status in patients with cancer. Despite thorough validation of PG-SGA, little has been reported about the way patients perceive, interpret, and respond to PG-SGA. The aim of this study was to investigate how patients interpret the patient-generated part of the PG-SGA, called PG-SGA Short Form. Methods Purposive sampling was used to identify participants that had experienced weight loss and/or reduced dietary intake and/or had a low body mass index. Data were collected from 23 patients by combining observations of patients filling in the PG-SGA Short Form, think-aloud technique and structured interviews, and analyzed qualitatively using systematic text condensation. Results Most of the participants managed to complete the PG-SGA Short Form without problems. However, participant-related and questionnaire-related sources of misinterpretation were identified, possibly causing misinterpretations or wrong/missing answers. Participants either read too fast and skipped words, or they struggled to find response options that were suitable for covering their entire situation perfectly. The word “normal” was perceived ambiguous, and the word “only” limited the participants’ possibility to accurately describe their food intake. Long recall periods in the questions and two-pieced response options made it difficult for patients to select only one option. Conclusion The results of this study provide a unique patient perspective of using the PG-SGA Short Form and valuable input for future use and revisions of the form. The identified sources of misunderstanding could be used to develop a standardized instruction manual for patients and health care personnel using the PG-SGA Short Form.
Infected Dentigerous Cyst and its Conservative Management: A Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT Aim To check the efficacy of decompression technique in children with dentigerous cysts. Background Most commonly occurring odontogenic cysts in the oral cavity are radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts.1 According to Kramer, a cyst is defined as a pathological cavity having fluid, semi-fluid, or gaseous contents, which is not created by the accumulation of pus. A cyst which is lined by epithelium is known as a true cyst and that which is not lined by epithelium known as a pseudocyst.2 The dictionary meaning of dentigerous is “structures resembling teeth”. 3 A dentigerous cyst is found enveloping the crown of an unerupted, embedded, or submerged tooth by the expansion of its follicle till the neck of the tooth.1 It is not unusual for a dentigerous cyst to mimic a radicular cyst, especially when the cyst is associated with a pulpectomized or carious primary tooth and its unerupted permanent successor. This article presents two cases of infected dentigerous cysts. The first case was of a female patient associated with tooth 45; and another case was of a male patient associated with tooth 35. The infected dentigerous cyst in both the cases was treated with the most conservative option available, i.e., decompression technique. Case description In this article, two cases of infected dentigerous cysts are discussed, in which one case deals with the female patient associated with tooth 45 and the other case deals with the male patient associated with tooth 35. The infected dentigerous cysts in both the cases were treated conservatively, i.e., with the decompression technique. Conclusion The present case report states that the decompression technique may be the most conservative method available for managing dentigerous cysts in children. How to cite this article Patil AS, Jathar PN, et al. Infected Dentigerous Cyst and its Conservative Management: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):68–72.
Green Synthesis of Novel Polyesterurethane Materials from Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide by New Set of One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Catalyst

Two novel polyesterurethane materials, PEU1 and PEU2, were synthesized via nontoxic and isocyanate-free route by simple conversion of two epoxides 1,2-epoxy-3-phenoxy propane (2) and styrene epoxide (3) utilizing CO2. Epoxides 2 and 3 were converted to the respective cyclic carbonates 4 and 5 by a new set of cobalt-based catalyst 1a in the presence of 10 bar of CO2 and 80 °C temperature without using cocatalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The mechanistic pathway of the catalysis reaction for the cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2 to generate the cyclic carbonates was investigated by several spectroscopic techniques and utilizing analogous zinc-based 1D coordination polymer 1b, which does not act as an efficient catalyst in the absence of TBAB. Cyclic carbonates 4 and 5 were converted to the respective polyesterurethanes PEU1 and PEU2 sequentially by first synthesizing the ring-opened diols 6 and 7 reacting with ethylenediamine and subsequently annealing the respective diols 6 and 7 at 120 °C in the presence of terepthalyl chloride and triethylamine. The polyesterurethanes PEU1 and PEU2 were characterized by multinuclear NMR and FTIR. PEU1 was also characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The thermal studies of PEU1 and PEU2 showed the stability up to 200–270 °C. The number-average and weight-average molecular weights were determined for PEU1 and PEU2 by GPC analysis. The weight-average molecular weight for PEU1 was found to be 5948 with a polydispersity of 1.1, and PEU2 showed the weight-average molecular weight as 4224 with a polydispersity of 1.06.
Antibiotic susceptibility profile and prevalence of mecA and lukS-PV/lukF-PV genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal and pharyngeal sources of medical students in Ecuador

Background Staphylococcus aureus is a common nasal colonizer in 20–30% of the general population. When mucosal and cutaneous barriers are disrupted, S. aureus can cause severe infections. While MRSA nasal carriers have an increased risk of infections when compared to non-carriers, prolonged exposure to the hospital environment may cause an increase in carriage of MRSA. Materials and methods A survey questionnaire was filled for analyzing risk factors of colonization. Swab isolates were identified as S. aureus by traditional microbiological assays. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were performed following the CLSI standard guidelines. Multiplex PCR was conducted to determine the presence of genes mecA and lukS-PV/lukF-PV. Chi-squared, univariate, and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to find statistically significant associations between risk factors and the presence of S. aureus and MRSA. Results One hundred and eighty-six isolates were identified as S. aureus. The strains showed high resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, azithromycin, erythromycin, clindamycin (inducible), and tetracycline. The overall prevalence of MRSA in medical students was 45.9% [40.4–51.6] 95% CI. PCR showed a prevalence of mecA gene in MRSA isolates of 6.1% while lukS-PV/lukF-PV gene was present in 3.2% [1.2–6.9] 95% CI of the S. aureus samples. The risk factors frequency of antibiotic intake and repeated visits to hospitals demonstrated statistical significance. Conclusion S. aureus and MRSA isolates have a high prevalence of colonization, and antibiotic resistance in the population studied. MRSA resistance was not related to the presence of the mecA gene. The prevalence of PVL genes was low, but it could represent a risk because they are circulating in the community.