Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New proofs of (new) Direct Product Theorems

In this Dissertation we give an alternate proof of the well known Direct Product Theorem which in contrast to the previous proofs, achieves optimal values for the related parameters. We also obtain a stronger version of the Direct Product Theorem which is motivated by some interesting applications in Cryptography. Direct Product Theorems are formal statements of the intuition: "if solving one instance of a problem is hard, then solving multiple instances is even harder". For example, a Direct Product Theorem with respect to bounded size circuits computing a function is a statement of the form: "if a function f is hard to compute on average for small size circuits, then fk(x1, ., x k) =def f(x1), . , f(xk) is even harder on average for certain smaller size circuits". The proof of the such a statement is by contradiction, that is, we start with a circuit which computes fk on some non-negligible fraction of the inputs and then use this circuit to construct another circuit which computes f on almost all inputs. By viewing such a constructive proof as decoding certain error-correcting code, it was independently observed by Trevisan [Tre03] and Impagliazzo [Imp02] that constructing a single circuit is not possible in general. Instead, we can only hope to construct a list of circuits such that one of them computes f on almost all inputs. This makes the list size an important parameter of the Theorem which can be minimized. In a sequence of results [IJK06] and [IJKW08], we achieve optimal value of the list size which is a substantial improvement compared to previous proofs of the Theorem. In particular, this new version can be applied to uniform models of computation (e.g. randomized algorithms) whereas all previous versions applied only to nonuniform models (e.g. circuits). This proof is presented in Chapter III. Consider the following stronger and a more general version of the previous Direct Product Theorem statement: "if a problem is hard to solve on average, then solving more than the expected fraction of problem instances from a pool of multiple independently chosen instances becomes even harder". Such statements are useful in cryptographic settings where the goal is to amplify the gap between the ability of legitimate users to solve a type of problem and that of attackers. We call such statements "Chernoff-type Direct Product Theorems" and prove such a statement for a very general setting in [IJK07]. This is presented in Chapter V.
Pruning SIFT & SURF for Efficient Clustering of Near-duplicate Images

Clustering and categorization of similar images using SIFT and SURF require a high computational cost. In this paper, a simple approach to reduce the cardinality of keypoint set and prune the dimension of SIFT and SURF feature descriptors for efficient image clustering is proposed. For this purpose, sparsely spaced (uniformly distributed) important keypoints are chosen. In addition, multiple reduced dimensional variants of SIFT and SURF descriptors are presented. Moreover, clustering time complexity is also improved by proposed contextual bag-of-features approach for partitioned keypoint set. The F-measure statistic is used to evaluate clustering performance on a California-ND dataset containing near-duplicate images. Clustering accuracy of the proposed pruned SIFT and SURF is found to be at par with traditional SIFT and SURF with a significant reduction in computational cost.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

In order to establish criteria for the identification of the neural and glial cells of the central nervous system, sections of the brains and spinal cords of mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats; and portions of tumors of the human brain have been examined by electron microscopy. Identification of neurons is made possible by the characteristic cytoplasmic picture, in which there is a distinct granular and less constant membranous ergastoplasmic pattern. In no other cell of the central nervous system is such a distinct granular component present in the ergastoplasm. The shape of the neuron in electron microscopic preparations is similar to that seen by light microscopy with several dendrites containing a similar cytoplasm arising from the perikaryon. Synapses are relatively common on the surface of the neuron and its dendrites. Microglial cells are relatively small and dense with few processes, and are arranged as perineuronal and perivascular satellites for the most part. Occasionally phagocytized material is present in their cytoplasm. The oligodendroglial cells are identifiable by their position as perineuronal satellites and in the white matter as cells arranged in rows. They have a uniformly round to ovoid nucleus with a pale cytoplasm, which has a sparse, finely granular component and a few small mitochondria. The processes are few and relatively straight when cut in longitudinal section. The predominant cellular type in an oligodendroglioma was similar, with a pale cytoplasm. The astrocytes are variable in appearance. Their nuclei are moderately large, irregularly ovoid, and the cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus is finely granular and scant. In the protoplasmic astrocytes the cytoplasm has a complicated infolded arrangement with reduplication of the plasma membrane, numerous processes extending radially from the cell and rebranching. To a certain extent this same folded plasma membrane was noted in the fibrous astrocytes. However, their more distant processes were narrowed, relatively straight, and filled with numerous dense fibrils. The processes of the astrocyte often surrounded axons, and other cellular processes, and surrounded some vessels, while attaching to a part of the wall of another vessel. Proliferating cells in experimentally produced gliosis and in astrocytic neoplasms were similar in structure. The ependymal cells and the epithelium of the choroid plexus have a specialized surface with microvillous projections of the cytoplasm covered by the plasma membrane. Cilia in varying numbers are present in both epithelia.
THEORETICAL MODELING OF PROPAGATION OF MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES IN MAGNETIC REGIONS BELOW SUNSPOTS

We use two-dimensional numerical simulations and eikonal approximation to study properties of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves traveling below the solar surface through the magnetic structure of sunspots. We consider a series of magnetostatic models of sunspots of different magnetic field strengths, from 10 Mm below the photosphere to the low chromosphere. The purpose of these studies is to quantify the effect of the magnetic field on local helioseismology measurements by modeling waves excited by subphotospheric sources. Time–distance propagation diagrams and wave travel times are calculated for models of various field strengths and compared to the nonmagnetic case. The results clearly indicate that the observed time–distance helioseismology signals in sunspot regions correspond to fast MHD waves. The slow MHD waves form a distinctly different pattern in the time–distance diagram, which has not been detected in observations. The numerical results are in good agreement with the solution in the short-wavelength (eikonal) approximation, providing its validation. The frequency dependence of the travel times is in good qualitative agreement with observations.
Heuristic Path Pruning Algorithm Based on Error Handling Pattern Recognition in Detecting Vulnerability

Using symbolic execution in path sensitive detection of software vulnerabilities develop quickly recently. It has a lot of application and research progress. However, symbolic execution still suffers from the scalability problem in practice, especially when applied to large scale or very complex programs. In this paper, we propose a new heuristic path pruning algorithm based on non-fatal error handling(NFEH) pattern recognition. Firstly, it use three patterns to recognize NFEH module in binary code and then stop analyzing NFEH branches when using symbolic execution. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach, we have implemented a prototype tool PrunEbt based on a binary static integer vulnerability detecting tool (Statictaint). Experimental results are quite encouraging. PrunEbt can effectively recognize NFEH modules in binary program, significantly reduce the search space and have no omissions of true vulnerabilities. At last, it has detected one zero-day integer vulnerability in widely used image recognition library Libpng v1.5. 13.
An improved model for the simulation of multiple uncorrelated Rayleigh fading waveforms

Multiple independent Rayleigh fading waveforms are often required for the simulation of wireless communication channels. Jakes model and its derivatives based on SoS (Sum-of-Sinusoids) provide simple simulators for Rayleigh fading, but they have shortcomings that their correlation functions are not always approach theoretical value. In this paper, the statistical properties of SoS fading model with a finite number of sinusoids are analyzed, and an improved model for multiple uncorrelated Rayleigh fading waveforms based on SoS model is proposed, which can reduce the computational complexity while maintain the statistical properties well. Compared with other models which proposed before (take MEA and Zheng's model for example), this new model satisfies not only the stochastic characteristics of Rayleigh fading channel but also the independence between pair of fading waveforms. Mathematical derivation and corresponding simulation results are also provided. The simulation results show that the statistics of single waveform of the proposed model are the same as other models while the independence between pair of fading waveforms is obviously better.
T-lymphocyte in ANCA-associated vasculitis: what do we know? A pathophysiological and therapeutic approach

Abstract Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune condition that commonly causes kidney impairment and can be fatal. The key participation of B-lymphocytes as ANCA producers and neutrophils as target of these antibodies is widely described as the mechanism of endothelial damage in this disease. There has been a rising interest in the role of T-lymphocytes in AAV in recent years. Evidence is strong from animal models, and T-lymphocytes can be found infiltrating kidney tissue and other tissue sites in AAV patients. Furthermore, the different subsets of T-lymphocytes are also key players in the aberrant immune response observed in AAV. Polarization towards a predominant Th1 and Th17 response in the acute phase of the disease has been described, along with a decline in the number of T-regulatory lymphocytes, which, in turn, show functional impairment. Interactions between different T-cell subsets, and between T-cells and neutrophils and B-cells, also enhance the inflammatory response, constituting a complex network. Novel therapies targeting T-cell immunity are emerging in this scenario and may constitute an interesting alternative to conventional therapy in selected patients. This review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding T-cell imbalances and functional impairment, especially focusing on renal involvement of AAV.
The Application of Poly-Phase Filter in Rader Signal Processing

A multi-channel structure using half-band filter is presented as poly-phase filter to divide the wide frequency band of the Doppler radar echo into 1-1 pairs. In most of the traditional system, this filter adopts FIR (Finite Impulses Respond) structure to get linear phase and simplify the design ignoring resource consumption. Here a four-channel half-band filter based on poly-phase IIR (Infinite Impulse Respond) structure is carried out. This IIR structure can also get linear phase but need less resources. This design is simulated using Simulink in MATLAB followed by prototype C code generation and performing on the target hardware platform. The results show the correctness of this method.
Notice of RetractionStudies on exhaust particles of diesel engine with urea Selective catalyst reduction

The morbidity and mortality of human is associated to the concentration of inhalation air particles, the smaller particles diameter, the more harmful to human body. In this paper, the exhaust particles number emissions and size distributions of diesel engine with urea Selective catalyst reduction (SCR) after-treatment system were studied. The results of the engine bench test indicated that the number emissions of particles decreased post SCR, especially the ultrafine particles, hence the harm of the particle matter emission to the human body also decreased.
Cloning and identification of a novel sperm binding protein, HEL-75, with antibacterial activity and expressed in the human epididymis.

BACKGROUND The HEL-75 protein is a beta-defensin that was identified by analyzing a human epididymis cDNA library. Studying its function may not only elucidate the mechanisms of host defense, but may also provide new alternatives for novel therapeutic drugs for reproductive tract infections. METHODS The HEL-75 gene was amplified by PCR, and its structure and function were predicted and analyzed with bioinformatics tools. Polyclonal serum was raised against recombinant HEL (rHEL)-75 protein. The gene expression pattern was analyzed with RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Finally, the antimicrobial activity and function during fertilization of HEL-75 were analyzed using a colony-forming unit assay and IVF, respectively. RESULTS The human HEL-75 gene is located on chromosome 20p13 and encodes a 95 amino acid protein with a predicted N-terminal signal peptide of 22 amino acids. The protein has six conserved cysteine residues, characteristic of members of the beta-defensin superfamily, as well as several potential post-translational modification sites. At the transcriptional level, HEL-75 was expressed in the epididymis and lung, but only in the epididymis at the translational level. Immunofluorescent staining showed that HEL-75 protein bound spermatozoa in the epididymis. RHEL-75 protein could kill Escherichia coli in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. However, no effect was observed on sperm motility nor fertilization when spermatozoa were blocked with anti-rHEL-75 polyclonal serum. CONCLUSION HEL-75 is a new beta-defensin expressed in the epididymis and on sperm; it may play an important role in host defense.
Getting Started with Acedb

Acedb is one of the more venerable pieces of Genomics software. Acedb was originally created in 1992 by Richard Durbin and Jean Thierry-Mieg to manage the data from the Caenorhabditis elegans mapping project and subsequently the C. elegans sequencing project. From beginnings as a C. elegans-specific tool, it has been continuously developed into a flexible suite of data management, display and scripting tools providing facilities for managing and annotation mapping information and DNA and peptide sequences. This paper gives a basic overview of the Acedb suite, and step-by-step guidance on how to download and install Acedb. It is intended to take an Acedb novice to stage where they can begin to experiment and explore the facilities that are available.
Antioxidant pretreatment and reduced arterial endothelial dysfunction after diving.

INTRODUCTION We have recently shown that a single air dive leads to acute arterial vasodilation and impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in humans. Additionally we have found that predive antioxidants at the upper recommended daily allowance partially prevented some of the negative effects of the dive. In this study we prospectively evaluated the effect of long-term antioxidants at a lower RDA dose on arterial endothelial function. METHODS Eight professional male divers performed an open sea air dive to 30 msw. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed before and after diving. RESULTS The first dive, without antioxidants, caused significant brachial arterial diameter increase from 3.85 +/- 0.55 to 4.04 +/- 0.5 mm and a significant reduction of FMD from 7.6 +/- 2.7 to 2.8 +/- 2.1%. The second dive, with antioxidants, showed unchanged arterial diameter and significant reduction of FMD from 8.11 +/- 2.4 to 6.8 +/- 1.4%. The FMD reduction was significantly less with antioxidants. Vascular smooth muscle function, assessed by nitroglycerine (endothelium-independent dilation), was unaffected by diving. DISCUSSION This study shows that long-term antioxidant treatment at a lower RDA dose ending 3-4 h before a dive reduces the endothelial dysfunction in divers. Since the scuba dive was of a similar depth and duration to those practiced by numerous recreational divers, this study raises the possibility of routine predive supplementation with antioxidants.
Supply Function Equilibria: Step Functions and Continuous Representations

In most wholesale electricity markets generators must submit step-function offers of supply to a uniform price auction, and the market is cleared at the price of the most expensive offer needed to meet realised demand. Such markets can most elegantly be modelled as the pure-strategy, Nash Equilibrium of continuous supply functions, in which each supplier has a unique profit maximising choice of supply function given the choices of other suppliers. Critics argue that the discreteness and discontinuity of the required steps can rule out pure-strategy equilibria and may result in price instability. This paper argues that if prices must be selected from a finite set the resulting step function converges to the continuous supply function as the number of steps increases, reconciling the apparently very disparate approaches to modelling electricity markets.
Ca2+-independent Binding of Anionic Phospholipids by Phospholipase C δ1 EF-hand Domain*

Background: The conserved EF-hand (EF) domain is necessary for active phospholipase. Results: EF binds to anionic phospholipid-containing vesicles; EF mutations introduced into PLC δ1 reduce activity not recoverable with added PIP2. Conclusion: EF-hand domain aids substrate binding in the active site when the protein is membrane-anchored. Significance: This may be the function of the EF-hand domain in other PLC enzymes as well. Recombinant EF-hand domain of phospholipase C δ1 has a moderate affinity for anionic phospholipids in the absence of Ca2+ that is driven by interactions of cationic and hydrophobic residues in the first EF-hand sequence. This region of PLC δ1 is missing in the crystal structure. The relative orientation of recombinant EF with respect to the bilayer, established with NMR methods, shows that the N-terminal helix of EF-1 is close to the membrane interface. Specific mutations of EF-1 residues in full-length PLC δ1 reduce enzyme activity but not because of disturbing partitioning of the protein onto vesicles. The reduction in enzymatic activity coupled with vesicle binding studies are consistent with a role for this domain in aiding substrate binding in the active site once the protein is transiently anchored at its target membrane.
Regulation of mammalian spliceosome assembly by a protein phosphorylation mechanism.

Splicing of mRNA precursors (pre‐mRNA) is preceded by assembly of the pre‐mRNA with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) and protein factors to form a splicesome. Here we show that stimulating Ser/Thr‐specific protein dephosphorylation selectively inhibits an early step during mammalian spliceosome assembly. Treatment of HeLa nuclear splicing extracts with human protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) expressed in Escherichia coli, or PP1 purified from rabbit skeletal muscle, prevents pre‐spliceosome E complex (early complex) formation and stable binding of U2 and U4/U6.U5 snRNPs to the pre‐mRNA. PP1 does not inhibit splicing catalysis if added after spliceosome assembly has taken place. Addition of purified SR protein splicing factors restores spliceosome formation and splicing to PP1‐inhibited extracts, consistent with SR proteins being targets regulated by phosphorylation. These data extend earlier observations showing that splicing catalysis, but not spliceosome assembly, is blocked by inhibiting protein phosphatases. It therefore appears that pre‐mRNA splicing, in common with other biological processes, can be regulated both positively and negatively by reversible protein phosphorylation.
A Digital Twin Approach for Fault Diagnosis in Distributed Photovoltaic Systems

Rooftop and building-integrated distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are emerging as key technologies for smart building applications. This paper presents the design methodology, mathematical analysis, simulation study, and experimental validation of a digital twin approach for fault diagnosis. We develop a digital twin that estimates the measurable characteristic outputs of a PV energy conversion unit (PVECU) in real time. The PVECU constitutes a PV source and a source-level power converter. The fault diagnosis is performed by generating and evaluating an error residual vector, which is the difference between the estimated and measured outputs. A PV panel-level power converter prototype is built to demonstrate how the sensing, processing, and actuation capabilities of the converter can enable effective fault diagnosis in real time. The experimental results show detection and identification of ten different faults in the PVECU. The time to fault detection (FD) in the power converter and the electrical sensors is less than 290 $\mu$s and the identification time is less than 4 ms. The time to FD and identification in the PV panel are less than 80 ms and 1.2 s, respectively. The proposed approach demonstrates higher fault sensitivity than that of existing approaches. It can diagnose a 20% drift in the electrical sensor gains and a 20% shading of a solar cell in the PV panel.
An Iris localization method for noisy infrared iris images

Iris segmentation is an important step in iris biometrics and becomes more challenging when iris images are noisy. Iris segmentation process localizes iris in the iris image and detects eyelids also. The proposed method localizes iris in noisy frontal view iris images captured under near infrared (NIR) illumination and having noise issues such as lighting and specular reflections, eyeglasses, low contrast, non-uniform illuminations and occlusions by heavy eyebrows, eyelids, eyelashes and hair. The proposed method is based on circular Hough transform (CHT) and an integro-differential operator (IDO) derived by taking motivation from Daugman's IDO. The pupil is localized using image binarization followed by CHT based algorithm and iris's outer boundary is detected by searching a limited image domain for maximum gray difference between iris and sclera using the proposed IDO. The method was tested on noisy images from two public NIR iris databases: MMU V2.0 and CASIA-Iris-Thousand V4.0. The average accuracy of the proposed method is 99.05 % and average time cost per image is 415 ms. Comparison of results of the proposed method with some published state-of-art iris localization methods proves its novelty.
Privacy-preserving conditional random selection

In this paper, we introduce a new primitive - referred to as conditional random selection. This new primitive allows the random selection of a data record from the subset of data records that meet a specified condition. We present a new privacy-preserving protocol that implements the new primitive and is secure in the semi-honest model. At its core, it uses newly developed protocols for oblivious shuffling, oblivious swapping, and privacy-preserving less than comparison on binary values with shared output. We show the relevance of conditional random selection in various application scenarios.