Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Key establishment - security models, protocols and usage

Key establishment is the process whereby two or more parties derive a shared secret, typically used for subsequent confidential communication. However, identifying the exact security requirements for key establishment protocols is a nontrivial task. This thesis compares, extends and merges existing security definitions and models for key establishment protocols. The primary focus is on two-party key agreement schemes in the public-key setting. On one hand new protocols are proposed and analyzed in the existing Canetti-Krawzcyk model. On the other hand the thesis develops a security model and novel definition that capture the essential security attributes of the standardized Unified Model key agreement protocol. These analyses lead to the development of a new security model and related definitions that combine and extend the Canetti-Krawzcyk preand postspecified peer models in terms of provided security assurances. The thesis also provides a complete analysis of a one-pass key establishment scheme. There are security goals that no one-pass key establishment scheme can achieve, and hence the two-pass security models and definitions need to be adapted for one-pass protocols. The analysis provided here includes the description of the required modification to the underlying security model. Finally, a complete security argument meeting these altered conditions is presented as evidence supporting the security of the one-pass scheme. Lastly, validation and reusing short lived key pairs are related to efficiency, which is a major objective in practice. The thesis considers the formal implication of omitting validation steps and reusing short lived key pairs. The conclusions reached support the generally accepted cryptographic conventions that incoming messages should not be blindly trusted and extra care should be taken when key pairs are reused.
Antitachyphylactic Effects of Progesterone and Oxytocin on Term Human Myometrial Contractile Activity In Vitro

Objective: To determine whether progesterone causes any changes in the action of oxytocin on the contractile activity of term human myometrium in vitro. Methods: Myometrial biopsies from 13 term pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery were immediately immersed in Hepes buffer or buffer containing 5 &mgr;g/mL progesterone. In the laboratory under a stereomicroscope, the specimens were dissected into 1 × 7.5‐mm muscle strips. These were mounted into six tissue baths and superfused with Hepes buffer and buffer containing 5 &mgr;g/mL progesterone, 5 &mgr;g/mL progesterone plus 10 mU/mL oxytocin, 5 &mgr;g/mL progesterone plus 100 mU/mL oxytocin, 10 mU/mL oxytocin, and 100 mU/mL oxytocin. Isometric tension was recorded constantly for at least 3 hours. Results: The frequency of myometrial contractions and tonus increased by superfusion with progesterone, progesterone plus oxytocin, and oxytocin alone compared to buffer. In addition, a gradual decrease in frequency was observed after 60 minutes of contractions with oxytocin alone, whereas progesterone plus oxytocin had no such decrease. The activity area of contractions was greater with 10 mU/mL oxytocin and decreased with progesterone, progesterone plus both concentrations of oxytocin, and 100 mU/mL oxytocin alone, compared to buffer. Conclusion: Progesterone stimulated the frequency of contractions and tonus of strips from the lower uterine segment of term human myometrium. A lasting increase in the frequency of contractions was observed with superfusion of progesterone plus oxytocin, suggesting that progesterone counteracted the reaction of tachyphylaxis to oxytocin. (Obstet Gynecol 1993;82:532‐8)
Geographical variability in northern European sheep wool isotopic composition (δ(13) C, δ(15) N, δ(2) H values).

RATIONALE Light stable isotopic analysis of herbivore proteinaceous tissues (hair, muscle, milk) is critical for authenticating the point of origin of finished agricultural or industrial products in both ancient and modern economies. This study examined the distribution of light stable isotopes in herbivores in northern Europe (Iceland to Finland), which is expected to depend on regional-level environmental inputs (precipitation, temperature) and local variables (vegetation type, fodder type, soil type). METHODS Sheep wool was obtained from animals managed using traditional methods and located across a gradient of northern European environments. Defatted whole-year samples were analysed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for carbon (δ(13) C values), nitrogen (δ(15) N values) and un-exchangeable hydrogen (δ(2) H values) isotopic composition. RESULTS Wool δ(13) C, δ(15) N and δ(2) H values showed the same correlations to local mean annual precipitation and temperature as were expected for graze plants. Wool δ(2) H values were correlated with local modelled meteoric water δ(2) H values, mediated by plant solid tissue and leaf water fractionations. Cluster analysis distinguished wool from Sweden and the Baltic region from more western material. Local variation in vegetation or soil type did not disrupt dependence on climatic variables but did affect geospatial discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Wool isotopic composition in northern Europe is controlled by the effects of local precipitation and temperature on graze plant inputs, and is only weakly affected by pasture type. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of Phenotypic Characteristics and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Clinical Escherichia coli Collected From Two Unrelated Geographical Areas

Background: Antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic Escherichia coli is an increasing problem especially in developing countries. Aims: To compare between resistance patterns of E. coli collected from two unrelated geographical areas. Methods: A descriptive comparative study was conducted between May 2010 and August 2011. E. coli (n= 402) collected from hospitals in Khartoum state, Sudan and in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia were studied. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates were performed following standard methods. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was defined as non-susceptibility to ≥ three antimicrobials. Results: Of the 402 E. coli isolates studied, MDR patterns were significantly higher among isolates from Sudan than Saudi Arabia [92.2% (214/232) vs. 70.6% (120/170)] (p = 0.000). The resistance rates of E. coli isolates were recorded as follows (Sudan and Saudi Arabia): High to moderate resistance to amoxicillin (97.7% and 94.2%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (88.3% and 82.5%), tetracycline (77.1% and 74.2%), amoxicillin- clavulanic acid (51.4% and 70%), ceftriaxone (64% and 52.4%) and ciprofloxacin (58.4% and 40%). Low resistance was to ceftazidime (35% and 20%), gentamicin (35% and 17.5%) and nitrofurantoin (22.4% and 11.7%). Resistance to amikacin was uncommon (1.9% and 5%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in resistance rates of isolates between both countries in term to patient’s gender and age. The most frequent MDR phenotypes among isolates were to 7(15.9%) in Khartoum state and to 3(20.8%) in Aseer region. Conclusions: Variation and emerging of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic E. coli isolates was observed in both regions. Continuous monitoring of resistance profiles, locally and international surveillance programs are required.
The Any-Com Approach to Multi-Robot Coordination

We propose a new class of algorithms for multirobot problems called “Any-Com”. With Any-Com, a suboptimal solution is found quickly and refined as communication permits (analogous to “Any-Time” where a suboptimal solution is refined as time permits). Any-Com can be used to mitigate the high cost of solving multi-robot problems by dividing effort among all robots the solution will benefit. This is useful when complete algorithms are desirable. Previous algorithms make assumptions about communication that are often invalid in the real world. Any-Com enables collaborative problem solving as communication permits, with graceful performance declines otherwise. This paper provides a “recipe” for Any-Com algorithms and shows results from a multi-robot path-planning and a multi-robot task allocation problem that exemplify the approach.
Review of Histopathological and Molecular Prognostic Features in Colorectal Cancer

Prediction of prognosis in colorectal cancer is vital for the choice of therapeutic options. Histopathological factors remain paramount in this respect. Factors such as tumor size, histological type and subtype, presence of signet ring morphology and the degree of differentiation as well as the presence of lymphovascular invasion and lymph node involvement are well known factors that influence outcome. Our understanding of these factors has improved in the past few years with factors such as tumor budding, lymphocytic infiltration being recognized as important. Likewise the prognostic significance of resection margins, particularly circumferential margins has been appreciated in the last two decades. A number of molecular and genetic markers such as KRAS, BRAF and microsatellite instability are also important and correlate with histological features in some patients. This review summarizes our current understanding of the main histopathological factors that affect prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Model-driven sketch reconstruction with structure-oriented retrieval

We propose an interactive system that aims at lifting a 2D sketch into a 3D sketch with the help of existing models in shape collections. The key idea is to exploit part structure for shape retrieval and sketch reconstruction. We adopt sketch-based shape retrieval and develop a novel matching algorithm which considers structure in addition to traditional shape features. From a list of retrieved models, users select one to serve as a 3D proxy, providing abstract 3D information. Then our reconstruction method transforms the sketch into 3D geometry by back-projection, followed by an optimization procedure based on the Laplacian mesh deformation framework. Preliminary evaluations show that our retrieval algorithm is more effective than a state-of-the-art method and users can create interesting 3D forms of sketches without precise drawing skills.
Computationally tractable stochastic power control laws in wireless communications

This note considers uplink power control for lognormal fading channels by a stochastic control approach. We seek approximate solutions to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation in terms of a local polynomial approximation, and solve a two user system for illustration. An important issue for practical systems is to reduce implementational complexity when operating in large population conditions; we show that a single user based control design may be applied to such systems for partially decentralized optimization.
The Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System: a minimally invasive, percutaneous intramedullary polymeric osteosynthesis for simple and complex long bone fractures

The treatment of osteoporotic long bone fractures is difficult due to diminished bone density and compromised biomechanical integrity. The majority of osteoporotic long bone fractures occur in the metaphyseal region, which poses additional problems for surgical repair due to increased intramedullary volume. Treatment with internal fixation using intramedullary nails or plating is associated with poor clinical outcomes in this patient population. Subsequent fractures and complications such as screw pull-out necessitate additional interventions, prolonging recovery and increasing health care costs. The Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System (PBSS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows clinicians to repair bone fractures using a light-curable polymer contained within an inflatable balloon catheter, offering a new treatment option for osteoporotic long bone fractures. The unique polymer compound and catheter application provides a customizable solution for long bone fractures that produces internal stability while maintaining bone length, rotational alignment, and postsurgical mobility. The PBSS has been utilized in a case series of 41 fractures in 33 patients suffering osteoporotic long bone fractures. The initial results indicate that the use of the light-cured polymeric rod for this patient population provides excellent fixation and stability in compromised bone, with a superior complication profile. This paper describes the clinical uses, procedural details, indications for use, and the initial clinical findings of the PBSS.
Learning local evidence for shading and reflectance

We address the important and unsolved problem of determining whether variations in image intensity are caused by changes in surface normal (shading) or reflectance (paint). A solution to this problem is necessary for machines to interpret images as people do and could have many applications. We take a learning-based approach. We generate a trainiiag set of synthetic images containing both surface normal and reflectance variations, and then label the variations at each position, scale, and orientation as to whether they are caused by shading or paint. The classification is done locally, using a feature vector of nonlinear filter responses. We fit a probability density model to the filter outputs using a mixture of factor analyzers. The resulting model indicates the probability based on local image evidence, that a pyramid coefficient at each orientation and scale is caused by shading or reflectance variations. Although the classification is done using a fixed lighting direction, we can solve for the correct lighting direction by rotating the image to the orientation, relative to the light source, that gives the most shape-like labelings. The labeling allows us to reconstruct two high passed images: one contains those parts of the input image caused by shading effects, while the other contains only those parts caused by reflectance changes. The resulting classifications compare well with human psychophysical performance on a test set of images, and show good results for test photographs.
REINFORCED CONCRETE RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES.

Half-cell potential mapping techniques have been used successfully to indicate regions where steel reinforcement is corroding unseen beneath the surface of concrete structures. It has been proposed that a mapping of the electrical resistivity of the concrete can be used in conjunction with the potential method to assess the severity of the corrosion problem in addition to the location of corroding regions. In this Paper, some of the advantages and drawbacks are discussed, with different methods of making measurements in situ. Practical tests and theoretical studies were conducted to assess the accuracy and reliability of different methods of measurement. The influence of both the ambient environmental conditions and the specimen configuration on the resistivity measurement were also investigated. Practical guidance is given to engineers in resistivity measurement techniques and in the interpretation of results. (Author/TRRL)
Backup for cloud and disaster recovery for consumers and SMBs

An important problem in Cloud computing is data backup and disaster recovery in the event of network or cloud service provider failure. Most cloud service providers offer data backup at their premises at premium cost which might not be affordable by consumers and SMB's. Here we introduce a simple solution for this complex problem in the form of a mechanism for online data backup for cloud along with disaster recovery. This approach reduces the cost of the solution and not only protects data from disaster but also makes the process of migration from one cloud service provider to another, much simpler. This solution eliminates consumers' dependency on the service provider and also eliminates the associated data backup cost. A simple hardware box can do all these at little cost.
First principles studies of multiferroic materials

Multiferroics, materials where spontaneous long-range magnetic and dipolar orders coexist, represent an attractive class of compounds, which combine rich and fascinating fundamental physics with a technologically appealing potential for applications in the general area of spintronics. Ab initio calculations have significantly contributed to recent progress in this area, by elucidating different mechanisms for multiferroicity and providing essential information on various compounds where these effects are manifestly at play. In particular, here we present examples of density-functional theory investigations for two main classes of materials: (a) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by hybridization or purely structural effects, with BiFeO3 as the prototype material, and (b) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by correlation effects and is strongly linked to electronic degrees of freedom such as spin-, charge-, or orbital-ordering, with rare-earth manganites as prototypes. As for the first class of multiferroics, first principles calculations are shown to provide an accurate qualitative and quantitative description of the physics in BiFeO3, ranging from the prediction of large ferroelectric polarization and weak ferromagnetism, over the effect of epitaxial strain, to the identification of possible scenarios for coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic order. For the second class of multiferroics, ab initio calculations have shown that, in those cases where spin-ordering breaks inversion symmetry (e.g. in antiferromagnetic E-type HoMnO3), the magnetically induced ferroelectric polarization can be as large as a few µC cm−2. The examples presented point the way to several possible avenues for future research: on the technological side, first principles simulations can contribute to a rational materials design, aimed at identifying spintronic materials that exhibit ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity at or above room temperature. On the fundamental side, ab initio approaches can be used to explore new mechanisms for ferroelectricity by exploiting electronic correlations that are at play in transition metal oxides, and by suggesting ways to maximize the strength of these effects as well as the corresponding ordering temperatures.
Examining cultural drifts in artworks through history and development: cultural comparisons between Japanese and western landscape paintings and drawings

Research on cultural products suggest that there are substantial cultural variations between East Asian and European landscape masterpieces and contemporary members' landscape artwork (Masuda et al., 2008c), and that these cultural differences in drawing styles emerge around the age of 8 (Senzaki et al., 2014b). However, culture is not static. To explore the dynamics of historical and ontogenetic influence on artistic expressions, we examined (1) 17–20th century Japanese and Western landscape masterpieces, and (2) cross-sectional adolescent data in landscape artworks alongside previous findings of elementary school-aged children, and undergraduates. The results showed cultural variations in artworks and masterpieces as well as substantial “cultural drifts” (Herskovits, 1948) where at certain time periods in history and in development, people's expressions deviated from culturally default patterns but occasionally returned to its previous state. The bidirectional influence of culture and implications for furthering the discipline of cultural psychology will be discussed.
Drug Delivery Approaches for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent cancer that affects women around the world. With the availability of new technologies, researchers have increased their efforts to develop new drug delivery systems in cervical cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we summarized some of the recent research in systematic and localized drug delivery systems and compared the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.
Intramolecular OH⋅⋅⋅Fluorine Hydrogen Bonding in Saturated, Acyclic Fluorohydrins: The γ-Fluoropropanol Motif

Fluorination is commonly exercised in compound property optimization. However, the influence of fluorination on hydrogen-bond (HB) properties of adjacent functional groups, as well as the HB-accepting capacity of fluorine itself, is still not completely understood. Although the formation of OH⋅⋅⋅F intramolecular HBs (IMHBs) has been established for conformationally restricted fluorohydrins, such interaction in flexible compounds remained questionable. Herein is demonstrated for the first time—and in contrast to earlier reports—the occurrence of OH⋅⋅⋅F IMHBs in acyclic saturated γ-fluorohydrins, even for the parent 3-fluoropropan-1-ol. The relative stereochemistry is shown to have a crucial influence on the corresponding h1JOH⋅⋅⋅F values, as illustrated by syn- and anti-4-fluoropentan-2-ol (6.6 and 1.9Hz). The magnitude of OH⋅⋅⋅F IMHBs and their strong dependence on the overall molecular conformational profile, fluorination motif, and alkyl substitution level, is rationalized by quantum chemical calculations. For a given alkyl chain, the “rule of shielding” applies to OH⋅⋅⋅F IMHB energies. Surprisingly, the predicted OH⋅⋅⋅F IMHB energies are only moderately weaker than these of the corresponding OH⋅⋅⋅OMe. These results provide new insights of the impact of fluorination of aliphatic alcohols, with attractive perspectives for rational drug design.
Serotonin Transporter Gene, Depressive Symptoms, and Interleukin-6

Background— We explored the relationship of genetic variants of the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, a key regulator of the serotonergic neurotransmission, with both depressive symptoms and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Methods and Results— We genotyped 20 polymorphisms in 360 male twins (mean age, 54 years) from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. Current depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory II. IL-6 was assessed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Genotype associations were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. To study how SLC6A4 genetic vulnerability influences the relationship between depressive symptoms and IL-6, bivariate models were constructed using structural equation modeling. Of the 20 polymorphisms examined, the effective number of independent tests was 6, and the threshold of significance after Bonferroni correction was 0.008. There were 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with Beck Depression Inventory (P≤0.008), including rs8071667, rs2020936, rs25528, rs6354, rs11080122, and rs8076005, and 1 single-nucleotide polymorphism was borderline associated (rs12150214, P=0.017). Of these 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 3 were also significantly associated with IL-6 (P<0.008), including rs25528, rs6354, and rs8076005, and the other 4 were borderline associated (P=0.009 to 0.025). The subjects with 1 copy of the minor allele of these 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms had higher Beck Depression Inventory scores and IL-6 levels. Further bivariate modeling revealed that ≈10% of the correlation between Beck Depression Inventory and IL-6 could be explained by the SLC6A4 gene. Conclusions— Genetic vulnerability involving the SLC6A4 gene is significantly associated with both increased depressive symptoms and elevated IL-6 plasma levels. Common pathophysiological processes may link depression and inflammation, and implicate the serotonin pathway in neural-immune interactions.
Hierachical Name Entity Recognition

In this project, we investigte the hierarchical name entity recognition problem implement three modesl to empirically verify that it is probable to utilize the hierarchical relationship between entity types to improve the tranditional NER task. Specifically, our three models are all non-trivial extensions of the classical MEMM classifier. We believe some of the ideas can be conveniently adapted to sequence classifiers such as conditional random fields.