Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring-Based Key Revocation Schemes for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: Design and Security Analysis

This article proposes a parameterized trust model and security analysis framework for monitoring-based schemes that enables the identiflcation of malicious nodes in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and other decentralized networks. We utilize these results to design a practical decentralized key revocation scheme for MANETs in which nodes monitor their neighbors and securely propagate their observations, where security thresholds ‐ and " protect against false accusations from groups of malicious nodes. Our revocation scheme is the flrst of its kind to take the inaccuracy of the underlying monitoring scheme into account. For example, we derive upper bounds for false positive rate fi and false negative rate fl that ensure the functionality and security of the revocation scheme. By utilizing security parameters ‐, ", fi and fl, we provide an extensive security analysis showing how to select these and other system parameters to mitigate a wide range of attacks from insiders and outsiders as well as colluding nodes.
Development of shape memory polyurethane fiber with complete shape recoverability

To illustrate the shape memory properties of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) fiber and the difference of thermal/mechanical properties between SMPU fiber and other various man-made fibers, series of shape memory polyurethane having various hard segment content were synthesized with the pre-polymerization method and spun with the wet spinning process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical testing were conducted to study the particular thermal/mechanical properties of shape memory polyurethane fiber in comparison with other man-made fibers such as nylon6, polyester, Lycra and XLA. In addition, in the preparation of shape memory polyurethane fiber, the effect of thermal setting temperature was systematically investigated by mechanical properties testing, DMA and cyclic tensile testing, suggesting that the thermal setting temperature has a huge influence on the mechanical properties and shape memory property due to the elimination of internal stress. Thermal setting with a higher temperature will give rise to a lower tensile modulus and tenacity and a higher elongation ratio at break. Through employing the optimal thermal setting treatment, the complete heating responsive recovery in SMPU fiber can be achieved because of the counteracting effect of the irreversible strain and thermal shrinkage.
Simulating cell apoptosis induced sinus node dysfunction

Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is correlated to the pacemaker sinoatrial node (SAN) cell apoptosis. This study explores the effect of such a dysfunctional SAN on electrical propagation into neighboring atrial tissue. The Fenton Karma model was extended to simulate mouse SA and atrial cell action potentials. The cell models were incorporated into a 2D model consisting of a central SA region surrounded by atrial tissue. The intercellular gap junctional coupling, as quantified by the diffusion constant, was estimated to give conduction speeds as observed in mouse atrial tissue. The size of mouse SA pacemaking region was estimated using the 2D model. In multiple simulations, the effects of an increasing proportion of apoptotic pacemaker cells on atrial tissue pacing were simulated and quantified. The SA size that gave a basal mouse atrial cycle length (ACL) of 295 ms was found to be 0.6 mm in radius. At low pacemaker cell apoptosis proportion, there was a drastic increase of ACL. At modest increase in the number of apoptotic cells, bradycardia was observed. The incidence of sinus arrest was also found to be high. When the number of apoptotic cells were 10% of the total number of pacemaking cells, all pacemaking was arrested. Phenomenological models have been developed to study mouse atrial electrophysiology and confirm experimental findings. The results show the significance of cell apoptosis as a major mechanism of S D.
Sodium, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Disease: Further Evidence Supporting the American Heart Association Sodium Reduction Recommendations

Recent reports of selected observational studies and a meta-analysis have stirred controversy and have become the impetus for calls to abandon recommendations for reduced sodium intake by the US general population. A detailed review of these studies documents substantial methodological concerns that limit the usefulness of these studies in setting, much less reversing, dietary recommendations. Indeed, the evidence base supporting recommendations for reduced sodium intake in the general population remains robust and persuasive. The American Heart Association is committed to improving the health of all Americans through implementation of national goals for health promotion and disease prevention, including its recommendation to reduce dietary sodium intake to <1500 mg/d.
Investigating intestinal inflammation in DSS-induced model of IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a range of intestinal pathologies, the most common of which are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Both UC and CD, when present in the colon, generate a similar symptom profile which can include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and weight loss. (1) Although the pathogenesis of IBD remains unknown, it is described as a multifactorial disease that involves both genetic and environmental components. (2) There are numerous and variable animal models of colonic inflammation that resemble several features of IBD. Animal models of colitis range from those arising spontaneously in susceptible strains of certain species to those requiring administration of specific concentrations of colitis-inducing chemicals, such as dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Chemical-induced models of gut inflammation are the most commonly used and best described models of IBD. Administration of DSS in drinking water produces acute or chronic colitis depending on the administration protocol. (3) Animals given DSS exhibit weight loss and signs of loose stool or diarrhea, sometimes with evidence of rectal bleeding. (4,5) Here, we describe the methods by which colitis development and the resulting inflammatory response can be characterized following administration of DSS. These methods include histological analysis of hematoxylin/eosin stained colon sections, measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, which can be used as a surrogate marker of inflammation. (6) The extent of the inflammatory response in disease state can be assessed by the presence of clinical symptoms or by alteration in histology in mucosal tissue. Colonic histological damage is assessed by using a scoring system that considers loss of crypt architecture, inflammatory cell infiltration, muscle thickening, goblet cell depletion, and crypt abscess. (7) Quantitatively, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines with acute inflammatory properties, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α,can be determined using conventional ELISA methods. In addition, MPO activity can be measured using a colorimetric assay and used as an index of inflammation. (8) In experimental colitis, disease severity is often correlated with an increase in MPO activity and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Colitis severity and inflammation-associated damage can be assessed by examining stool consistency and bleeding, in addition to assessing the histopathological state of the intestine using hematoxylin/eosin stained colonic tissue sections. Colonic tissue fragments can be used to determine MPO activity and cytokine production. Taken together, these measures can be used to evaluate the intestinal inflammatory response in animal models of experimental colitis.
PROTEIN DEGRADATION IN CULTURED CELLS

The degradation of cellular proteins in fibroblasts, both those of rapid and those of slow turnover rates, was inhibited by low concentrations of chloroquine or neutral red in the medium. Cells inhibited by chloroquine can be inhibited further by fluoride. Chloroquine was taken up by the fibroblasts and the concentration in the cells reached several hundred times that in the medium. Isopycnic fractionation studies showed that within the cells the chloroquine was concentrated in the lysosomes, and that these chloroquine-containing lysosomes had a lower equilibrium density than the lysosomes of untreated cells. Chloroquine, at concentrations attained inside the lysosomes, inhibited cathepsin B1 but not cathepsin D. It is concluded that chloroquine impairs the breakdown of cellular proteins after these have entered the lysosome system, probably through inhibition of cathepsin B1.
Code Attestation with Compressed Instruction Code

Available purely software based code attestation protocols have recently been shown to be cheatable. In this work we propose to upload compressed instruction code to make the code attestation protocol robust against a so called compresssion attack. The described secure code attestation protocol makes use of recently proposed microcontroller architectures for reading out compressed instruction code. We point out that the proposed concept only makes sense if the provided cost/benefit ratio for the aforementioned microcontroller is higher than an alternative hardware based solution requiring a tamperresistant hardware module.
A 12-YEARS SURVEILLANCE OF POLIOMYELITIS AND ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS IN FARS PROVINCE, SOUTHERN IRAN

Background: Following the widespread use of poliovirus vaccine in the mid-1950s, the incidence of poliomyelitis declined rapidly in many industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to determine the surveillance of poliomyelitis and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Fars Province, southern Iran to detect poliovirus wherever it may circulate. Methods: From 1995 to 2006, in a cross-sectional study, all patients over 15 years of age with flaccid paralysis in Fars Province of Iran were enrolled. The surveillance medical officers visited every AFP case, took clinical histories, and performed clinical examinations. Two stool samples were collected from each reported case within 14 days of the onset of paralysis and sent to WHO-accredited laboratories for poliovirus isolation and intra-typic differentiation. AFP cases from which stool sample of wild poliovirus was isolated were classified as confirmed poliomyelitis. Those AFP cases whose cultures for poliovirus were negative were referred to an expert panel. Whenever possible, nerve conduction velocity tests, electromyography, and other diagnostic modalities such as brain and vertebral MRI were performed along with a detailed neurological examination at least three weeks after the onset of paralysis. Results: The non-polio AFP rate was 227 (mean: 18.91 per year). Only one case of poliomyelitis was reported in the first year of surveillance. Other 226 cases had non-polio AFP. The most common cause of paralysis among these patients was Guillain-Barre syndrome (66%). Conclusion: The non-polio AFP rate is almost in agreement with the estimated incidence of AFP in the population aged 0-15 years worldwide. Routine coverage with three doses of OPV with supplementary immunization activities has reportedly reached over 95% of all target children. The existing system must be closely monitored and actively supported to maintain and constantly improve performance.
A new time-scale for ray-finned fish evolution

The Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) is the largest and most diverse vertebrate group, but little is agreed about the timing of its early evolution. Estimates using mitochondrial genomic data suggest that the major actinopterygian clades are much older than divergence dates implied by fossils. Here, the timing of the evolutionary origins of these clades is reinvestigated using morphological, and nuclear and mitochondrial genetic data. Results indicate that existing fossil-based estimates of the age of the crown-group Neopterygii, including the teleosts, Lepisosteus (gar) and Amia (bowfin), are at least 40 Myr too young. We present new palaeontological evidence that the neopterygian crown radiation is a Palaeozoic event, and demonstrate that conflicts between molecular and morphological data for the age of the Neopterygii result, in part, from missing fossil data. Although our molecular data also provide an older age estimate for the teleost crown, this range extension remains unsupported by the fossil evidence. Nuclear data from all relevant clades are used to demonstrate that the actinopterygian whole-genome duplication event is teleost-specific. While the date estimate of this event overlaps the probable range of the teleost stem group, a correlation between the genome duplication and the large-scale pattern of actinopterygian phylogeny remains elusive.
Frequent-pattern based iterative projected clustering

Irrelevant attributes add noise to high dimensional clusters and make traditional clustering techniques inappropriate. Projected clustering algorithms have been proposed to find the clusters in hidden subspaces. We realize the analogy between mining frequent itemsets and discovering the relevant subspace for a given cluster. We propose a methodology for finding projected clusters by mining frequent itemsets and present heuristics that improve its quality. Our techniques are evaluated with synthetic and real data; they are scalable and discover projected clusters accurately.
On the possibility of measuring the solar oblateness and some relativistic effects from planetary ranging

In this paper we first calculate the post-Newtonian gravitoelectric secular rate of the mean anomaly of a test particle freely orbiting a spherically symmetric central mass. Then, we propose a novel approach to suitably combine the presently available planetary ranging data to Mercury, Venus and Mars in order to determine, simultaneously and independently of each other, the Sun's quadrupole mass moment J2� and the secular advances of the perihelion and the mean anomaly. This would also allow to obtain the PPN parameters γ and β independently. We propose to analyze the time series of three linear combinations of the observational residuals of the rates of the nodes u Ω, the longitudes of perihelia u and mean anomalies u M of Mercury, Venus and Mars suitably built up in order to absorb the secular precessions induced by the solar oblateness and the post-Newtonian gravitoelectric forces. The values of the three investigated parameters can be obtained by fitting the expected linear trends with straight lines, determining their slopes in arcseconds per century and suitably normalizing them. According to the present-day EPM2000 and DE405 ephemerides accuracy, the obtainable precision would be of the order of 10 −3 -10 −4 for the PPN parameters and, more interestingly, of 10 −9 for J2� . It must be pointed out that the future BepiColombo mission should improve the knowledge of the Mercury's orbit perhaps by one order of magnitude.
Cross-Domain Privacy-Preserving Cooperative Firewall Optimization

Firewalls have been widely deployed on the Internet for securing private networks. A firewall checks each incoming or outgoing packet to decide whether to accept or discard the packet based on its policy. Optimizing firewall policies is crucial for improving network performance. Prior work on firewall optimization focuses on either intrafirewall or interfirewall optimization within one administrative domain where the privacy of firewall policies is not a concern. This paper explores interfirewall optimization across administrative domains for the first time. The key technical challenge is that firewall policies cannot be shared across domains because a firewall policy contains confidential information and even potential security holes, which can be exploited by attackers. In this paper, we propose the first cross-domain privacy-preserving cooperative firewall policy optimization protocol. Specifically, for any two adjacent firewalls belonging to two different administrative domains, our protocol can identify in each firewall the rules that can be removed because of the other firewall. The optimization process involves cooperative computation between the two firewalls without any party disclosing its policy to the other. We implemented our protocol and conducted extensive experiments. The results on real firewall policies show that our protocol can remove as many as 49% of the rules in a firewall, whereas the average is 19.4%. The communication cost is less than a few hundred kilobytes. Our protocol incurs no extra online packet processing overhead, and the offline processing time is less than a few hundred seconds.
Gastrointestinal Perfusion in Septic Shock

Septic shock is characterised by vasodilation, myocardial depression and impaired microcirculatory blood flow, resulting in redistribution of regional blood flow. Animal and human studies have shown that gastrointestinal mucosal blood flow is impaired in septic shock. This is consistent with abnormalities found in many other microcirculatory vascular beds. Gastrointestinal mucosal microcirculatory perfusion deficits have been associated with gut injury and a decrease in gut barrier function, possibly causing augmentation of systemic inflammation and distant organ dysfunction. A range of techniques have been developed and used to quantify these gastrointestinal perfusion abnormalities. The following techniques have been used to study gastrointestinal perfusion in humans: tonometry, laser Doppler flowmetry reflectance spectrophotometry, near-infrared spectroscopy, orthogonal polarisation spectral imaging, indocyanine green clearance, hepatic vein catheterisation and measurements of plasma D-lactate. Although these methods share the ability to predict outcome in septic shock patients, it is important to emphasise that the measurement results are not interchangeable. Different techniques measure different elements of gastrointestinal perfusion. Gastric tonometry is currently the most widely used technique because of its non-invasiveness and ease of use. Despite all the recent advances, the usefulness of gastrointestinal perfusion parameters in clinical decision-making is still limited. Treatment strategies specifically aimed at improving gastrointestinal perfusion have failed to actually correct mucosal perfusion abnormalities and hence not shown to improve important clinical endpoints. Current and future treatment strategies for septic shock should be tested for their effects on gastrointestinal perfusion; to further clarify its exact role in patient management, and to prevent therapies detrimental to gastrointestinal perfusion being implemented.
Platelet P2Y12 Receptor Influences the Vessel Wall Response to Arterial Injury and Thrombosis

Background— Platelets are believed to play an important role in atherogenesis and the vessel response to vascular injury. The P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12) plays a central role in amplifying platelet aggregation, dense granule and &agr;-granule secretion, P-selectin expression, microparticle formation, and procoagulant membrane changes, regardless of the activating stimulus. We hypothesized that P2Y12 deficiency might reduce the vessel wall response to vascular injury as well as thrombosis in murine vascular injury models. Methods and Results— P2Y12-deficient (−/−) mice and littermate controls (+/+) were bred on a C57 BL/6 background. In vivo murine models of arterial injury were employed alone and in combination with bone marrow transplantation to investigate the role of P2Y12 in the vessel wall response to arterial injury and thrombosis. At 21 days after ferric chloride injury, neointima formation in P2Y12−/− arteries was significantly less than that observed in control strain arteries (P<0.025). In agreement with this, the intima-media ratio was significantly greater in femoral wire-injured arteries from P2Y12+/+ compared with P2Y12−/− animals (P<0.05). Bone marrow transplantation was used to examine the importance of vessel wall P2Y12 versus platelet P2Y12. Analysis of arterial sections from chimeric animals at 21 days after injury revealed a smaller intima-media ratio in −/− to +/+ animals than in the positive (+/+ to +/+) control group (P<0.01). Conclusions— These data demonstrate a role for platelet P2Y12 in the vessel wall response to arterial injury and thrombosis. This illustrates the manner in which platelets may contribute to atherogenesis and restenosis.
Evaluation of Hospice Care by Family Members of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Patients

The Hispanic older adult population is increasing rapidly and past research suggests that this demographic group underutilizes hospice services, highlighting the need to improve our understanding of their needs in end of life. This study relied upon information from the family evaluation of hospice care survey provided by 2980 caregivers, 152 of whom cared for a Hispanic patient and 2828 who cared for a non-Hispanic patient. Caregivers of Hispanic patients were more likely to report that hospice was inconsistent with the patient’s wishes, and that they received more attention than desired for emotional issues. Caregivers of Hispanic patients were also more likely to express that emotional/spiritual forms of support were insufficient. Similar levels of satisfaction were reported for caregivers of Hispanics and non-Hispanics regarding dignity/respect, information received, care coordination, and overall satisfaction.
Stable solving of CVRPs using hyperheuristics

In this paper we present a hill-climbing based hyperheuristic which is able to solve instances of the capacitated vehicle routing problem. The hyperheuristic manages a sequence of constructive-perturbative pairs of low-level heuristics which are applied sequentially in order to construct and improve partial solutions. We present some design considerations that we have taken into account to find the most promising sequence and allow the collaboration among low-level heuristics. Our approach has been tested using some standard state-of-the-art benchmarks and we have compared them with several well-known methods proposed in the literature. We have obtained, on average, stable and good quality solutions after solving various types of problems. Thus, we conclude that our collaborative framework is an interesting approach as it has proved to be: (1) able to adapt itself to different problem instances by choosing a suitable combination of low-level heuristics and (2) capable of preserving stability when solving different types of problems.