Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Provers and Verifiable Secret Sharing Based on the Discrete Logarithm Problem

Secret sharing allows a secret key to be distributed among n persons, such that k(1 <= k <= n) of these must be present in order to recover it at a later time. This report first shows how this can be done such that every person can verify (by himself) that his part of the secret is correct even though fewer than k persons get no Shannon information about the secret. However, this high level of security is not needed in public key schemes, where the secret key is uniquely determined by a corresponding public key. It is therefore shown how such a secret key (which can be used to sign messages or decipher cipher texts) can be distributed. This scheme has the property, that even though everybody can verify his own part, sets of fewer than k persons cannot sign/decipher unless they could have done so given just the public key. This scheme has the additional property that more than k persons can use the key without compromising their parts of it. Hence, the key can be reused. This technique is further developed to be applied to undeniable signatures. These signatures differ from traditional signatures as they can only be verified with the signer's assistance. The report shows how the signer can authorize agents who can help verifying signatures, but they cannot sign (unless the signer permits it).
Social intolerance is a consequence, not a cause, of dispersal in spiders

From invertebrates to vertebrates, a wealth of species display transient sociality during their life cycle. Investigating the causes of dispersal in temporary associations is important to better understand population dynamics. It is also essential to identify possible mechanisms involved in the evolutionary transition from transient to stable sociality, which has been documented repeatedly across taxa and typically requires the suppression of dispersal. In many animals, the onset of dispersal during ontogeny coincides with a sharp decline in social tolerance, but the causal relationship still remains poorly understood. Spiders offer relevant models to explore this question, because the adults of the vast majority of species (>48,000) are solitary and aggressive, but juveniles of most (if not all) species are gregarious and display amicable behaviors. We deployed a combination of behavioral, chemical, and modelling approaches in spiderlings of a solitary species to investigate the mechanisms controlling the developmental switch leading to the decline of social cohesion and the loss of tolerance. We show that maturation causes an increase in mobility that is sufficient to elicit dispersal without requiring any change in social behaviors. Our results further demonstrate that social isolation following dispersal triggers aggressiveness in altering the processing of conspecifics’ cues. We thus provide strong evidence that aggression is a consequence, not a cause, of dispersal in spiderlings. Overall, this study highlights the need of extended social interactions to preserve tolerance, which opens new perspectives for understanding the routes to permanent sociality.
Mice Lacking the Transcriptional Coactivator PGC-1α Exhibit Hyperactivity

Significant evidence from various sources suggests that structural alterations in mitochondrial function may play a role in both the pathogenesis of mood disorders and the therapeutic effects of available treatments. PGC-1α is a distinct transcriptional regulator designed to mediate the synchronous release of neurotransmitter in the brain and thereby to coordinate a number of gene expression pathways to promote mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation. The role of PGC-1α in the context of affective disorder phenotypes and treatments has been suggested but not studied in depth. To further investigate the possible involvement of PGC-1α in affective disorders, we generated conditional PGC-1α null mice through transgenic expression of cre recombinase under the control of a Dlx5/6 promoter; cre-mediated excision events were limited to γ-amino-butyric-acid (GABA)-ergic specific neurons. We tested these mice in a battery of behavioral tests related to affective change including spontaneous activity, elevated plus maze, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. Results demonstrated that mice lacking PGC-1α in GABAergic neurons exhibited increased activity across tests that might be related to a mania-like phenotype. These results suggest possible relevance of PGC-1α to affective change, which corresponds with data connecting mitochondrial function and affective disorders and their treatment.
Study on Privacy Preserving Technology in Data Publishing Scenario

In recent years, many data sets are accessed for the purposes of research, cooperation and e-business, and so on. Publishing data about individuals without revealing their private information has become an active issue, and k-Anonymous-based models are effective techniques that prevent linking attack. We analyzed the privacy leakage problem in data publishing environment. Then we concluded the privacy preserving technologies, and clarified the k-anonymity models. Finally we conclude the directions of this area.
Marijuana use and its influence on sperm morphology and motility: identified risk for fertility among Jamaican men

The growing international movement legislating medical marijuana has brought renewed interest to the role of marijuana smoking on fertility potential. Although studies have identified that sperm quality can be compromised by marijuana use, little focus has been placed specifically on those trying to conceive. In this study, we aimed to clarify the impact of marijuana use in semen quality in men being investigated for assisted reproduction.
An augmented patient-specific approach to administration of contrast agent for CT renal angiography

ABSTRACT Purpose This hybrid retrospective and prospective study performed on 200 consecutive patients undergoing renal CTA, investigates the opacification of renal vasculature, radiation dose, and reader confidence. Materials and Methods 100 patients were assigned retrospectively to protocol A and the other 100 were allocated prospectively to protocol B. Both protocols implemented a contrast material and saline flow rate of 4.5 mL/sec. Protocol A utilized a 100 mL of low-osmolar nonionic IV contrast material (Ioversol 350 mg I/mL) while protocol B employed a patient-tailored contrast media formula using iso-osmolar non-ionic (Iodixanol 320 mg I/mL). Results Arterial opacification in the abdominal aorta and in the bilateral main proximal renal arteries demonstrated no statistical significance (p>0.05). Only the main distal renal artery of the left kidney in protocol B was statistically significant (p<0.046). In the venous circulation, the IVC demonstrated a significant reduction in opacification in protocol B (59.39 HU ± 19.39) compared to A (87.74 HU ± 34.06) (p<0.001). Mean CNR for protocol A (22.68 HU ± 13.72) was significantly higher than that of protocol B (14.75 HU ± 5.76 p< 0.0001). Effective dose was significantly reduced in protocol B (2.46 ± 0.74 mSv) compared to A (3.07 ± 0.68 mSv) (p<0.001). Mean contrast media volume was reduced in protocol B (44.56 ± 14.32 mL) with lower iodine concentration. ROC analysis demonstrated significantly higher area under the ROC curve for protocol B (p< 0.0001), with inter-reader agreement increasing from moderate to excellent in renal arterial visualization. Conclusion Employing a patient-tailored contrast media injection protocol shows a significant refinement in the visualization of renal vasculature and reader confidence during renal CTA.
The Information Service in Practice: An experiment at The City University Library

The establishment and development of the Information/Research Section at The City University Library is described. The value of providing a partial information service is discussed in the light of three years' practical experience. Particular features of The City's service are the emphasis on individual needs rather than the production of current awareness services of general interest, and the exploitation of special resources such as the British Computer Society Library and the press-cuttings collection. The future is seen in terms of a learning resource centre on the American pattern.
Psychiatric disorders among offspring of patients with Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract Objective As part of a larger study investigating biological risk factors for bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), we investigated the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses presented by young BD or BPD offspring. With respect to the scarcity of studies interested in psychiatric disorders among BPD offspring, we have chosen to report these results despite the small sample size for a prevalence study. Method We recruited 21 BD and 22 BPD offspring and 23 control subjects. All subjects were assessed with a structured interview. Results Our main finding suggests that BPD offspring present a higher rate of psychiatric disorders compared to BD offspring. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder was the most prevalent disorder. Conclusion Our results contribute to the evidence that offspring of patients with BPD, are at high risk with regard to their mental health and deserve both more research and special attention at the clinical level.
Comparison of Two Neuro-Fuzzy Approaches Applied to Mode Choice Modeling

This paper investigates the use of neuro-fuzzy models for behavioral mode choice modeling. The concept of neuro-fuzzy models has emerged in recent years as researchers have tried to combine the transparent, linguistic representation of a fuzzy system with the learning ability of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Several neuro-fuzzy systems have been reported in the literature. They include various representations and architectures and therefore are suitable for different applications. In this paper, the performance of two of the most widely used neuro-fuzzy models, namely: B-spline Associative Memory Networks (AMNs) and Adaptive Network Based Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), is compared. The theoretical backgrounds of both systems are presented and their relative advantages are discussed using a mode choice modeling case study. Areas of comparison include: model performance, dealing with the curse of dimensionality, Automatic exclusion of irrelevant inputs, and model transparency.
A dynamic central scheduler load balancing mechanism

One of the major design goals in distributed systems is to minimize the mean job response time, an important measurement of system performance. This paper presents a central scheduler load balancing mechanism (CSLB). A threshold policy (with two variable threshold values) is used to reduce network traffic overhead. A simple timer is implemented to allow both periodic and instantaneous load balancings. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by simulations for various parameters. The comparison between the proposed algorithm and a previous work is given. <<ETX>>
The Narcissistic Grandiosity Scale: A Measure to Distinguish Narcissistic Grandiosity From High Self-Esteem

Measures of self-esteem frequently conflate two independent constructs: high self-esteem (a normative positive sense of self) and narcissistic grandiosity (a nonnormative sense of superiority). Confusion stems from the inability of self-report self-esteem scales to adequately distinguish between high self-esteem and narcissistic grandiosity. The Narcissistic Grandiosity Scale (NGS) was developed to clarify this distinction by providing a measure of narcissistic grandiosity. In this research, we refined the NGS and demonstrated that NGS scores exhibit good convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity relative to scores on theoretically relevant measures. NGS scores, when used as simultaneous predictors with scores on a self-esteem measure, related more strongly to phenomena linked to narcissistic grandiosity (e.g., competitiveness, overestimating one’s attractiveness, lack of shame), whereas self-esteem scores related more strongly to phenomena crucial to individuals’ well-being (e.g., higher levels of optimism and satisfaction with life, and lower levels of depression, worthlessness, and hostility). The NGS provides researchers with a measure to help clarify the distinctions between narcissistic grandiosity and high self-esteem, as well as other facets of narcissism, both in theory and as predictors of important real-life characteristics.
Voluntary physical activity counteracts Chronic Heart Failure progression affecting both cardiac function and skeletal muscle in the transgenic Tgαq*44 mouse model

Physical activity is emerging as an alternative nonpharmaceutical strategy to prevent and treat a variety of cardiovascular diseases due to its cardiac and skeletal muscle beneficial effects. Oxidative stress occurs in skeletal muscle of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with possible impact on muscle function decline. We determined the effect of voluntary‐free wheel running (VFWR) in preventing protein damage in Tgαq*44 transgenic mice (Tg) characterized by a delayed CHF progression. In the early (6 months) and transition (12 months) phase of CHF, VFWR increased the daily mean distance covered by Tg mice eliminating the difference between Tg and WT present before exercise at 12 months of age (WT Pre‐EX 3.62 ± 1.66 vs. Tg Pre‐EX 1.51 ± 1.09 km, P < 0.005; WT Post‐EX 5.72 ± 3.42 vs. Tg Post‐EX 4.17 ± 1.8 km, P > 0.005). This effect was concomitant with an improvement of in vivo cardiac performance [(Cardiac Index (mL/min/cm2): 6 months, untrained‐Tg 0.167 ± 0.005 vs. trained‐Tg 0.21 ± 0.003, P < 0.005; 12 months, untrained‐Tg 0.1 ± 0.009 vs. trained‐Tg 0.133 ± 0.005, P < 0.005]. Such effects were associated with a skeletal muscle antioxidant response effective in preventing oxidative damage induced by CHF at the transition phase (untrained‐Tg 0.438 ± 0.25 vs. trained‐Tg 0.114 ± 0.010, P < 0.05) and with an increased expression of protein control markers (MuRF‐1, untrained‐Tg 1.12 ± 0.29 vs. trained‐Tg 14.14 ± 3.04, P < 0.0001; Atrogin‐1, untrained‐Tg 0.9 ± 0.38 vs. trained‐Tg 7.79 ± 2.03, P < 0.01; Cathepsin L, untrained‐Tg 0.91 ± 0.27 vs. trained‐Tg 2.14 ± 0.55, P < 0.01). At the end‐stage of CHF (14 months), trained‐Tg mice showed a worsening of physical performance (decrease in daily activity and weekly distance and time of activity) compared to trained age‐matched WT in association with oxidative protein damage of a similar level to that of untrained‐Tg mice (untrained‐Tg 0.62 ± 0.24 vs. trained‐Tg 0.64 ± 0.13, P > 0.05). Prolonged voluntary physical activity performed before the onset of CHF end‐stage, appears to be a useful tool to increase cardiac function and to reduce skeletal muscle oxidative damage counteracting physical activity decline.
Experimental characterization and computational modeling of hydrogel cross-linking for bioprinting applications

Alginate-based hydrogels are extensively used to create bioinks for bioprinting, due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, low costs, and slight gelling. Modeling of bioprinting process can boost experimental design reducing trial-and-error tests. To this aim, the cross-linking kinetics for the chemical gelation of sodium alginate hydrogels via calcium chloride diffusion is analyzed. Experimental measurements on the absorbed volume of calcium chloride in the hydrogel are obtained at different times. Moreover, a reaction-diffusion model is developed, accounting for the dependence of diffusive properties on the gelation degree. The coupled chemical system is solved using finite element discretizations which include the inhomogeneous evolution of hydrogel state in time and space. Experimental results are fitted within the proposed modeling framework, which is thereby calibrated and validated. Moreover, the importance of accounting for cross-linking-dependent diffusive properties is highlighted, showing that, if a constant diffusivity property is employed, the model does not properly capture the experimental evidence. Since the analyzed mechanisms highly affect the evolution of the front of the solidified gel in the final bioprinted structure, the present study is a step towards the development of reliable computational tools for the in silico optimization of protocols and post-printing treatments for bioprinting applications.
Nicotinamide riboside promotes autolysosome clearance in preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Doxorubicin is widely used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for various malignancies. However, doxorubicin causes severe cardiotoxicity, which limits its clinical uses. Oxidative stress is one of major contributors to doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. While autophagic flux serves as an important defense mechanism against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes, recent studies have demonstrated that doxorubicin induces the blockage of autophagic flux, which contributes to doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. This study investigated whether nicotinamide riboside, a precursor of NAD+, prevents doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by improving autophagic flux. We report that administration of nicotinamide riboside elevated NAD+ levels, and reduced cardiac injury and myocardial dysfunction in doxorubicin-injected mice. These protective effects of nicotinamide riboside were recapitulated in cultured cardiomyocytes upon doxorubicin treatment. Mechanistically, nicotinamide riboside prevented the blockage of autophagic flux, accumulation of autolysosomes and oxidative stress in doxorubicin-treated cardiomyocytes, the effects of which were associated with restoration of lysosomal acidification. Furthermore, inhibition of lysosomal acidification or SIRT1 abrogated these protective effects of nicotinamide riboside during doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Collectively, our study shows that nicotinamide riboside enhances autolysosome clearance via the NAD+/SIRT1 signaling thereby preventing doxorubicin-triggered cardiotoxicity.
Design and Implementation of an Encrypted Mobile Objects Protocol (EMOP) for J2ME, J2SE and J2EE Applications

Summary The current trend in telecommunications is the movement towards mobility of devices, and as more mobile devices are being invented together with their associated applications, growing interest is on defining secure ways of communication for such applications. This paper describes the Encrypted Mobile Objects Protocol (EMOP), an object-oriented communications protocol designed to allow communication of objects between Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE), and Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications. The report discusses the theory behind the protocol, from the Mobile optimized object Description and Serialization (MooDS) protocol - also an object-oriented protocol dedicated to J2ME based phones, to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, and how EMOP was build from them. Moreover, the paper compares EMOP with MooDS in two J2SE applications. The results show that for objects less than 50 000 in number, MooDS transmission is an order of magnitude faster than that of EMOP because of extra encoding done by EMOP on objects for security purposes, but EMOP obtains best results in terms of reducing the application code size to sizes unattainable by MooDS, and consequently reducing the time-to-market of applications.
Development and Bone Regeneration Capacity of Premixed Magnesium Phosphate Cement Pastes

Magnesium phosphate cements (MPC) have been demonstrated to have a superior bone regeneration capacity due to their good solubility under in vivo conditions. While in the past only aqueous MPC pastes have been applied, the current study describes the fabrication and in vitro/in vivo testing of an oil-based calcium doped magnesium phosphate (CaMgP) cement paste. Premixed oil-based pastes with CaMgP chemistry combine the advantages of conventional MPC such as high mechanical strength and good resorbability with a prolonged shelf-life and an easier clinical handling. The pastes set in an aqueous environment and predominantly form struvite and achieve a compressive strength of ~8–10 MPa after setting. The implantation into a drill-hole defect at the distal femoral condyle of New Zealand white rabbits over a course of 6 and 12 weeks demonstrated good biocompatibility of the materials without the formation of soft connective tissue or any signs of inflammation. In contrast to a hydroxyapatite forming reference paste, the premixed CaMgP pastes showed subsequent degradation and bony regeneration. The CaMgP cement pastes presented herein are promising bone replacement materials with excellent material properties for an improved and facilitated clinical application.
Distinct functions of endogenous cannabinoid system in alcohol abuse disorders

Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal active component in Cannabis sativa extracts such as marijuana, participates in cell signalling by binding to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors on the cell surface. The CB1 receptors are present in both inhibitory and excitatory presynaptic terminals and the CB2 receptors are found in neuronal subpopulations in addition to microglial cells and astrocytes and are present in both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals. Subsequent to the discovery of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, studies have suggested that alcohol alters the eCB system and that this system plays a major role in the motivation to abuse alcohol. Preclinical studies have provided evidence that chronic alcohol consumption modulates eCBs and expression of CB1 receptors in brain addiction circuits. In addition, studies have further established the distinct function of the eCB system in the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This review provides a recent and comprehensive assessment of the literature related to the function of the eCB system in alcohol abuse disorders.
Ubiquitous Policies and Location specific Frameworks

543 Abstract— Computing systems are becoming increasingly mobile, facilitated by advances in wireless networking, battery technology, the emergence of low-powered and low-cost portable devices, wider deployment of standard communications technology and changes in user working patterns. During the course of a day mobile users may interact with many different mobile and stationary computers in many different locations and situations. Due to these developments, a new paradigm of computing interaction has emerged: this is termed context-aware. A context-aware system is one in which applications have knowledge of their surrounding physical and computing environment. This environment is composed of people, mobile and fixed computing devices, and such things as doors, walls, desks and chairs. Mobility of users causes frequent and unpredictable changes in user location and in consequently available resources. Access control to resources is crucial to leverage the provision of ubiquitous services and calls for novel solutions based on various context information, e.g. user location, device properties, user needs, local resource visibility. Context-aware applications aim to acquire and utilize information about the context of a device and its user to provide services that are appropriate to particular people, place, time and events. In this paper, we will discuss location specific policies and corresponding frameworks in literature and various issues to be dealt while understanding to make a context aware application.