Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulating Exploits for the Creation and Refinement of Detection Signatures

Advanced computer security systems rely on a host of detectors that examine anomalies, or known signatures, to qualify network traffic. Anomaly detectors usually come at greater cost in resources over signature detectors spurring the desire to translate anomalies into identifiable signatures. Automatic Signature Generation (ASG) attempts to automate the process of creating signatures to describe newly identified malicious network traffic. However, the quality of the signatures created in ASG depends on the ability to identify malicious traffic which remains a difficult problem plagued by massive amounts of data, high-speed links, and an adversarial environment. As a result, the detection process itself can greatly hamper the process of Automatic Signature Generation.This research attempts to leverage the Metasploit framework to provide a simulation environment that can execute exploits and record those attacks without interference from rogue users or any reliance on detection methods. This simulation environment side-steps the problem of identifying the malicious traffic because the executed exploits are known malicious and isolated. The Metasploit framework provides many tools for mutating and varying attack signatures such that each execution of an exploit may have a wildly different signature. We employ this mutational feature of Metasploit, and use prior ASG techniques, to create a smaller set of signatures that address the core of an attack rather than quantifying each variant. We demonstrate that creating signatures in such an environment is not only viable, but may even be desirablein order for a user to have the most effective signature set for their purpose.
Patients who undergo preoperative chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer restaged by using diagnostic MR imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE To obtain performance values of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for restaging locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment regarding tumor staging, nodal staging, and tumor-free circumferential resection margins (CRMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies regarding restaging compared with a reference standard by using the terms rectal neoplasms, MR imaging, and chemotherapy. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used, and data on imaging criteria, histopathologic criteria, and restaging were extracted. Responders were defined as positives and nonresponders, as negatives. Mean sensitivity, mean specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) were determined by using a bivariate random-effects model. A positive LR greater than 5 implied moderate results for responders. RESULTS Thirty-three studies evaluated 1556 patients. For tumor stage, mean sensitivity was 50.4%, mean specificity was 91.2%, positive LR was 5.76, and negative LR was 0.54. Diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging showed comparable positive LR with significantly improved sensitivity (P = .01) and negative LR (P = .04). Experienced observers showed higher sensitivity (P = .01) and lower negative LR (P = .03) compared with less experienced observers. For CRM, mean sensitivity, mean specificity, positive LR, and negative LR were 76.3%, 85.9%, 5.40, and 0.28, respectively. For nodal stage per patient, mean sensitivity, mean specificity, positive LR, and negative LR were 76.5%, 59.8%, 1.90, and 0.39, respectively; and for nodal stage on a lesion basis, these values were 90.7%, 73.0%, 3.37, and 0.13, respectively. CONCLUSION MR imaging showed heterogeneous results of diagnostic performances for restaging rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment, but significantly better results were demonstrated when DW imaging was used or with experienced observers. MR imaging can also be used for evaluation of CRM staging, but nodal staging remains challenging.
Touch & Share: RFID based ubiquitous file containers

Here, we present Touch & Share, an application for sharing multimedia content in our everyday environment. Our main design criterion is ease of use. Visual icons placed in the environment act as data storage (file containers). Users can drop multimedia files into the containers and pick files from them by touching the icons with their mobile terminals. The icons are placed on, or near, the physical objects the files are related to. RFID tags are placed behind the icons and they store metadata information about the files available in the corresponding containers. When users bring their terminals near the icons, the terminals' RFID readers communicate with the tags, read the contents of a container from the tag and possibly write information about new files. The actual files are stored in a server, but the user experiences the files to be in the containers. The main contributions of this work are a general application for storing multimedia content in nearly any place or everyday object and a fully functional prototype built using only commercial off-the-self technology.
A comparison of heart rate, eye activity, EEG and subjective measures of pilot mental workload during flight.

BACKGROUND Mental workload is a major consideration in the design and operation of modern aircraft systems. Objective measures of mental workload that are sensitive and diagnostic are required to meet the needs of both pilots and designers. Due to the multifaceted nature of these complex mental demands multiple measures are required. HYPOTHESIS Psychophysiological and subjective measures provide unique information about mental workload during flight. METHODS Cardiac, eye, brain and subjective data were collected during an actual flight scenario designed to provide tasks which required different piloting skills at several levels of mental workload. RESULTS Heart rate was sensitive to the demands of flight but not diagnostic with regard to determining the cause of the workload. Heart rates increased during take offs and landings and to an intermediate level during instrument flight rules (IFR) segments. By showing sensitivity to only the visual demands of the various segments of flight eye activity was more diagnostic. The theta band of the EEG demonstrated increased power during those flight segments which required inflight mental calculations. The subjective measures showed trends suggesting different levels of mental demand but demonstrated few statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Multiple measures, especially psychophysiological measures, provide a comprehensive picture of the mental demands of flight. The measures used in this study were shown to provide unique, non-overlapping information. Because of the continuous nature of the psychophysiological data it may be possible to develop systems which provide on-line monitoring of mental workload that can provide feedback to the pilot and aircraft systems.
Emulation of the static and dynamic behaviour of a wind-turbine with a DC-machine drive

In this study a separately excited DC machine drive is used to emulate the mechanical drive train of a wind power station with a doubly-fed induction generator under real conditions. The static and dynamic characteristics of the wind turbine are modelled through a 3-mass oscillating system, representing the turbine, the gear box and generator moment of inertia connected by elastic shafts. This model is implemented within a software environment and generates the reference values of torque and speed to drive the DC-machine. The fluctuations of the wind speed excite the system modes and oscillations with the resonance frequencies are generated. These effects are transmitted through the DC-machine drive to the generator shaft, enabling more realistic conditions for the experimental rig. This paper shows the modelling of the system and construction of the experimental rig, as well as experimental results.
Are All Trade Policies Created Equal? Empirical Evidence for Nonequivalent Market Power Effects of Tariffs and Quotas

Over the past decades, the steel industry has been protected by a wide variety of trade policies, both tariff- and quota-based. We exploit this extensive heterogeneity in trade protection to examine the well-established theoretical literature predicting nonequivalent effects of tariffs and quotas on domestic firms' market power. Robust to a variety of empirical specifications with U.S. Census data on the population of U.S. steel plants from 1967-2002, we find evidence for significant market power effects for binding quota-based protection, but not for tariff-based protection. There is only weak evidence that antidumping protection increases market power.
NEWS ON NEW DEVICES

News organizations worldwide now deliver content through multiple electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, e-readers, and tablets. While multi-platform news delivery is widely prevalent, is multi-platform news “consumption” a reality? This study examines the extent to which people own, use, and enjoy these electronic devices. Results of a national survey of US Internet users suggested that despite the excitement about newer, more portable devices, not all devices are equally “newsful. ” Most people use only one electronic device for news purposes on a weekly basis. We identified the predictors of device ownership and multi-platform news consumption and discussed the implications for multi-platform news publishing.
Ipidacrine (NIK-247): A Review of Multiple Mechanisms as an Antidementia Agent

Ipidacrine (NIK-247, 9-amino-2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinoline monohydrochloride monohydrate) is a novel substance synthesized by the National Research Center for Biologically Active Compounds in the Russian Federation. Ipidacrine was earlier referred to by the chemical name amiridine (7). This compound contains the structure of 4-aminopyridine and is structurally very similar to tacrine (9-amino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine hydrochloride hydrate), as is shown in Fig. 1. It has been reported that ipidacrine blocks specific [3H]tacrine binding (43). Tacrine is an antidementia agent that can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.1.7, AChE) (21,26,48,50). Senile dementia has been associated with a loss of cholinergic neurotransmission, which is essential for some cognitive functions (20,53). Degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and deficiencies of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6.) are known to occur in Alzheimer’s disease (10,72). This cholinergic hypothesis has led to the development of compounds that are capable of improving cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain. Among the various approaches to enhancement of the cholinergic system, inhibition of the degrading enzyme (AChE) is presently the most promising in terms of providing candidate drugs for treatment of patients with dementia (16,32,57,63). Recently, tacrine and E-2020 (1-benzyl-4-[{5,6-dimethoxy1-indanon}-2-yl]methylpiperidine hydrochloride, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), a pure AChE inhibitor, won FDA approval for treating Alzheimer’s Disease (Fig. 1) (57). A number of additional AChE inhibitors await approval; however, CI-1002 is not one of them, since it was disqualified in phase I clinical trials. Therefore, we discuss in this paper
Integrin α3 Is Required for Late Postnatal Stability of Dendrite Arbors, Dendritic Spines and Synapses, and Mouse Behavior

Most dendrite branches and a large fraction of dendritic spines in the adult rodent forebrain are stable for extended periods of time. Destabilization of these structures compromises brain function and is a major contributing factor to psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Integrins are a class of transmembrane extracellular matrix receptors that function as αβ heterodimers and activate signaling cascades regulating the actin cytoskeleton. Here we identify integrin α3 as a key mediator of neuronal stability. Dendrites, dendritic spines, and synapses develop normally in mice with selective loss of integrin α3 in excitatory forebrain neurons, reaching their mature sizes and densities through postnatal day 21 (P21). However, by P42, integrin α3 mutant mice exhibit significant reductions in hippocampal dendrite arbor size and complexity, loss of dendritic spine and synapse densities, and impairments in hippocampal-dependent behavior. Furthermore, gene-dosage experiments demonstrate that integrin α3 interacts functionally with the Arg nonreceptor tyrosine kinase to activate p190RhoGAP, which inhibits RhoA GTPase and regulates hippocampal dendrite and synapse stability and mouse behavior. Together, our data support a fundamental role for integrin α3 in regulating dendrite arbor stability, synapse maintenance, and proper hippocampal function. In addition, these results provide a biochemical and structural explanation for the defects in long-term potentiation, learning, and memory reported previously in mice lacking integrin α3.
Neuropathy‐associated NaV1.7 variant I228M impairs integrity of dorsal root ganglion neuron axons

Small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) is characterized by injury to small‐diameter peripheral nerve axons and intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF). Although mechanisms underlying loss of IENF in SFN are poorly understood, available data suggest that it results from axonal degeneration and reduced regenerative capacity. Gain‐of‐function variants in sodium channel NaV1.7 that increase firing frequency and spontaneous firing of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have recently been identified in ∼30% of patients with idiopathic SFN. In the present study, to determine whether these channel variants can impair axonal integrity, we developed an in vitro assay of DRG neurite length, and examined the effect of 3 SFN‐associated variant NaV1.7 channels, I228M, M932L/V991L (ML/VL), and I720K, on DRG neurites in vitro. At 3 days after culturing, DRG neurons transfected with I228M channels exhibited ∼20% reduced neurite length compared to wild‐type channels; DRG neurons transfected with ML/VL and I720K variants displayed a trend toward reduced neurite length. I228M‐induced reduction in neurite length was ameliorated by the use‐dependent sodium channel blocker carbamazepine and by a blocker of reverse Na‐Ca exchange. These in vitro observations provide evidence supporting a contribution of the I228M variant NaV1.7 channel to impaired regeneration and/or degeneration of sensory axons in idiopathic SFN, and suggest that enhanced sodium channel activity and reverse Na‐Ca exchange can contribute to a decrease in length of peripheral sensory axons. Ann Neurol 2012
Immobilization of layered double hydroxides in the fluidic system for nanoextraction of specific DNA molecules

The purpose of this study was to immobilize inorganic layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on the poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) substrate as the media to extract the specific DNA molecules through fluidic system to enhance the efficiency of extract specific DNA molecules from extreme low concentration in sample solution. The encapsulated DNA molecules released through dissolve of LDHs by slight acid (PH=4–5) solution then amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process through the primers for E. coli cells. The results show that immobilized LHDs could be regarded as the specific DNA detector in the sample solution mixed biomacromolecules for rapid disease diagnosis through fluidic system.
A Novel Control Design on Discrete-Time Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Systems With Time-Varying Delays

This paper focuses on analyzing a new model transformation of discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems with time-varying delays and applying it to dynamic output feedback (DOF) controller design. A new comparison model is proposed by employing a new approximation for time-varying delay state, and then, a delay partitioning method is used to analyze the scaled small gain of this comparison model. A sufficient condition on discrete-time T-S fuzzy systems with time-varying delays, which guarantees the corresponding closed-loop system to be asymptotically stable and has an induced ℓ2 disturbance attenuation performance, is derived by employing the scaled small-gain theorem. Then, the solvability condition for the induced ℓ2 DOF control is also established, by which the DOF controller can be solved as linear matrix inequality optimization problems. Finally, examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Study on impedance model of Li-ion battery

Impedance model contains a lot of information that can indicate performance of battery. Therefore, establishment of accurate impedance model is very important. In this paper, impedance model of Li-ion battery is examined by electrochemical mechanisms analysis and experimental measurement. The basis for the form of the model has been linked to internal processes of the battery and validated using experimental data. The impedance behavior during individual discharge cycles as well as over its cycle life is obtained. The proposed model will greatly help research on circuit simulation, multi-cell battery analysis, battery test and monitoring, prognostics and battery health management.
Design of personal mobility motion based on cooperative movement with a companion

Accompanying a person is one of the core capacities of a companion service robot and demands a smooth movement function with collision avoidance. In previous studies, on companion service robots, a robot moves in synchrony with a walking partner. However, in some cases, especially where potentially dangerous obstacles appear in the environment, a robot should lead its partner. A robot that leads its partner in appropriate environments should also enable smoother and more effective movement with the partner. This study aims to develop a motion design that realizes smooth cooperative movement with a human partner. Our proposed robot not only estimates its partner's intention and moves accordingly, but also reveals its own intention to the partner. To realize this objective, we investigate conditions that induce the partner's movement and propose a motion design that follows the partner's intended movement. Our method was installed in a prototype vehicle and evaluated in experiments, and was proved useful as a leading mechanism.
The role of neuroscience in drug policy: Promises and prospects

Crack cocaine use carries high costs for society, particularly in terms of increased crime. The tools of modern neuroscience may be able to reduce demand by addressing altered brain circuitry of individuals suffering from severe cocaine use disorder. Here, we review several rehabilitative strategies, including pharmacotherapies targeting neurotransmitter systems, immunotherapies that block cocaine from entering the central nervous system, brain stimulation to disrupt abnormal circuit function, and real-time feedback in neuroimaging to allow the strengthening of impulse control. These experimental treatments hold promise for treating severe cocaine use disorder, and such approaches could be employed as an alternative to widespread incarceration. View the complete article in . pdf form here .
Distribution of neurosensory progenitor pools during inner ear morphogenesis unveiled by cell lineage reconstruction

Reconstructing the lineage of cells is central to understanding how the wide diversity of cell types develops. Here, we provide the neurosensory lineage reconstruction of a complex sensory organ, the inner ear, by imaging zebrafish embryos in vivo over an extended timespan, combining cell tracing and cell fate marker expression over time. We deliver the first dynamic map of early neuronal and sensory progenitor pools in the whole otic vesicle. It highlights the remodeling of the neuronal progenitor domain upon neuroblast delamination, and reveals that the order and place of neuroblasts’ delamination from the otic epithelium prefigure their position within the SAG. Sensory and non-sensory domains harbor different proliferative activity contributing distinctly to the overall growth of the structure. Therefore, the otic vesicle case exemplifies a generic morphogenetic process where spatial and temporal cues regulate cell fate and functional organization of the rudiment of the definitive organ. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.22268. 001
An active contour model for selective segmentation

In this paper, we develop a new active contour model for image selective segmentation. The model adopts cascade anisotropic diffusion preprocessing and a selective term in level set function. Cascade anisotropic diffusion filtering is powerful and flexible to enhance image for various segmentation tasks. The selective term in level set function can evolve a single curve to capture a selective segmentation region which we are interested in. This is useful for intentional segmentation tasks. We can also realize the multi-region segmentation by varying selecting term conditions. Furthermore, we saliently speed the process of the new algorithm by using AOS scheme in cascade anisotropic diffusion filtering and discarding mean curvature motion in level set function. We illustrate the performance of our segmentation method on images generated by different modalities.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated cell motility: phospholipase C activity is required, but mitogen-activated protein kinase activity is not sufficient for induced cell movement

We recently have demonstrated that EGF receptor (EGFR)-induced cell motility requires receptor kinase activity and autophosphorylation (P. Chen, K. Gupta, and A. Wells. 1994. J. Cell Biol. 124:547-555). This suggests that the immediate downstream effector molecule contains a src homology-2 domain. Phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma) is among the candidate transducers of this signal because of its potential roles in modulating cytoskeletal dynamics. We utilized signaling-restricted EGFR mutants expressed in receptor devoid NR6 cells to determine if PLC activation is necessary for EGFR-mediated cell movement. Exposure to EGF (25 nM) augmented PLC activity in all five EGFR mutant cell lines which also responded by increased cell movement. Basal phosphoinositide turnover was not affected by EGF in the lines which do not present the enhanced motility response. The correlation between EGFR-mediated cell motility and PLC activity suggested, but did not prove, a causal link. A specific inhibitor of PLC, U73122 (1 microM) diminished both the EGF- induced motility and PLC responses, while its inactive analogue U73343 had no effect on these responses. Both the PLC and motility responses were decreased by expression of a dominant-negative PLC gamma-1 fragment in EGF-responsive infectant lines. Lastly, anti-sense oligonucleotides (20 microM) to PLC gamma-1 reduced both responses in NR6 cells expressing wild-type EGFR. These findings strongly support PLC gamma as the immediate post receptor effector in this motogenic pathway. We have demonstrated previously that EGFR-mediated cell motility and mitogenic signaling pathways are separable. The point of divergence is undefined. All kinase-active EGFR mutants induced the mitogenic response while only those which are autophosphorylated induced PLC activity. U73122 did not affect EGF-induced thymidine incorporation in these motility-responsive infectant cell lines. In addition, the dominant-negative PLC gamma-1 fragment did not diminish EGF-induced thymidine incorporation. All kinase active EGFR stimulated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity, regardless of whether the receptors induced cell movement; this EGF-induced MAP kinase activity was not affected by U73122 at concentrations that depressed the motility response. Thus, the signaling pathways which lead to motility and cell proliferation diverge at the immediate post-receptor stage, and we suggest that this is accomplished by differential activation of effector molecules.