Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PEREA: towards practical TTP-free revocation in anonymous authentication

Several anonymous authentication schemes allow servers to revoke a misbehaving user's ability to make future accesses. Traditionally, these schemes have relied on powerful TTPs capable of deanonymizing (or linking) users' connections. Recent schemes such as Blacklistable Anonymous Credentials (BLAC) and Enhanced Privacy ID (EPID) support "privacy-enhanced revocation" -- servers can revoke misbehaving users without a TTP's involvement, and without learning the revoked users' identities. In BLAC and EPID, however, the computation required for authentication at the server is linear in the size (L) of the revocation list. We propose PEREA, a new anonymous authentication scheme for which this bottleneck computation is independent of the size of the revocation list. Instead, the time complexity of authentication is linear in the size (K << L) of a revocation window, the number of subsequent authentications before which a user's misbehavior must be recognized if the user is to be revoked. We prove the security of our construction, and have developed a prototype implementation of PEREA to validate its efficiency experimentally.
Prediction of the Notch Frequency of Slot Loaded Printed UWB Antennas

To prevent interference between ultrawideband (UWB) systems and existing wireless systems, creating notches in the UWB radiated field spectrum has been proposed. This filtering effect can be achieved by integrating a slot resonator to a UWB antenna. However, in printed monopole or dipole type UWB antennas, the notch frequency of the embedded slot depends on substrate and slot parameters. In this paper, we present a method to calculate, very accurately and efficiently, the notch frequency of such antennas. This method is validated by comparing theoretical and experimental results for 19 different slot width, slot length and dielectric constant combinations. The average difference is about 2%. We also assess the filtering action of slots from two aspects: the mismatch loss at the input and the radiation level in the far field. The sensitivity of the notch frequency to antenna parameters is also investigated.
A squeeze film flow processibility tester

The applicability of the squeeze film flow geometry in a processibility tester is investigated in this study. A prototype processibility tester has been built by retrofitting it to a servohydraulic load frame. Several processibility parameters such as viscosity and the elastic component in the melt have been investigated. With the concept of equivalent elastic strain, the extrudate swell can be semi-quantitatively predicted from the squeeze film flow experiment. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A scanning micromirror with angular comb drive actuation

Describes a single crystal silicon, 1/spl times/1 mm/sup 2/, scanning micromirror, which incorporates a novel angular vertical comb drive actuator. Results from our model for the angular vertical comb show that a 50% higher scan angle can be achieved when compared to a staggered vertical comb of equivalent dimensions. The simplified, cost effective, silicon on insulator micro-electromechanical systems, (SOI MEMS), process features self-alignment of the fixed and moving teeth and is fabricated on a single SOI wafer. Static deflection for our fabricated device fits well with the model and a resonant mode optical scan angle of /spl plusmn/18/spl deg/ at 1.4 kHz has been measured.
Gaze Contingent Foveated Rendering

The aim of this paper is to present experimental results for gaze contingent foveated rendering for 2D displays. We display an image on a conventional digital display and use an eye tracking system to determine the viewers gaze co-ordinates in real time. Using a stack of pre-processed images, we are then able to determine the blur profile, select the corresponding image from the image stack and simulate foveated blurring for the viewer. We present results of a user study and comment on the employed blurring methodologies. Applications for this technique lie primarily in the domain of VR displays where only a small proportion of the pixels that are rendered lie in the foveal region of the viewer. Thus, promising to optimize computational requirements without compromising experience and viewer comfort.
Kalman Estimation of Single-Tone Parameters and Performance Comparison With MAP Estimator

By incorporating a priori knowledge via the a priori probability density function of the frequency and phase, the Kalman estimator for linear, minimum mean-square error estimation of these single-tone parameters in additive, white, Gaussian noise is presented. First, a linear, two-dimensional state-space model for the frequency and phase of a sinusoid is formulated. Then, two Kalman filters are proposed, one based on Tretter's phase noise model [S. A. Tretter, ldquoEstimating the Frequency of a Noisy Sinusoid by Linear Regression,rdquo IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, vol. IT-31, no. 6, pp. 832-835, Nov. 1985], and the other based on our newly proposed model in [H. Fu and P. Y. Kam, ldquoMAP/ML Estimation of the Frequency and Phase of a Single Sinusoid in Noise,rdquo IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing, vol. 55, no. 3, Mar. 2007]. Finally, their mean-square error performances are compared with each other and with that of the maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) estimator, using computer simulations. The results show that the MAP estimator performs best and the Kalman filter based on the improved phase noise model has better performance than that based on Tretter's model, especially at low signal-to-noise ratio.
Prototypes of elementary functional loops unravel evolutionary connections between protein functions

Motivation: Earlier studies of protein structure revealed closed loops with a characteristic size 25–30 residues and ring-like shape as a basic universal structural element of globular proteins. Elementary functional loops (EFLs) have specific signatures and provide functional residues important for binding/activation and principal chemical transformation steps of the enzymatic reaction. The goal of this work is to show how these functional loops evolved from pre-domain peptides and to find a set of prototypes from which the EFLs of contemporary proteins originated. Results: This article describes a computational method for deriving prototypes of EFLs based on the sequences of complete genomes. The procedure comprises the iterative derivation of sequence profiles followed by their hierarchical clustering. The scoring function takes into account information content on profile positions, thus preserving the signature. The statistical significance of scores is evaluated from the empirical distribution of scores of the background model. A set of prototypes of EFLs from archaeal proteomes is derived. This set delineates evolutionary connections between major functions and illuminates how folds and functions emerged in pre-domain evolution as a combination of prototypes. Contact: Igor.Berezovsky@uni.no
Algal Proteins: Extraction, Application, and Challenges Concerning Production

Population growth combined with increasingly limited resources of arable land and fresh water has resulted in a need for alternative protein sources. Macroalgae (seaweed) and microalgae are examples of under-exploited “crops”. Algae do not compete with traditional food crops for space and resources. This review details the characteristics of commonly consumed algae, as well as their potential for use as a protein source based on their protein quality, amino acid composition, and digestibility. Protein extraction methods applied to algae to date, including enzymatic hydrolysis, physical processes, and chemical extraction and novel methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field, and microwave-assisted extraction are discussed. Moreover, existing protein enrichment methods used in the dairy industry and the potential of these methods to generate high value ingredients from algae, such as bioactive peptides and functional ingredients are discussed. Applications of algae in human nutrition, animal feed, and aquaculture are examined.
Analysis of Scheduling Algorithms with Reservations

In this work, we analyze the problem of scheduling a set of independent jobs on a homogeneous parallel computer. This problem has been widely studied from both a theoretical perspective (complexity analysis, and predictability of scheduling algorithms) and practical side (schedulers in production systems). It is common for some processors of a cluster to become unavailable for a certain period of time corresponding to reservations. These reservations represent blocks of time and quantities of resources set assigned in advance for specific applications. We propose here to investigate the scheduling problem where there are restricted resource availabilities. Our main result is to provide a deep analysis for this problem (complexity, lower bounds and upper bounds) for several variants of list scheduling algorithms. More precisely, we show that the problem of scheduling with any reservations can not be approximated. This leads to the study of restricted versions of this problem where the amount of reservation is limited. Our analysis is based on an old bound of Graham for resource constraint list scheduling for which we propose a new simpler proof by considering the continuous version of this problem.
X-Ray Probes for In Situ Studies of Interfaces

Surfaces and buried interfaces play critical roles in many environmental, catalytic, and tribological processes and in a wide variety of applications, including microelectronics and optoelectronics. Interfacial structure and composition are closely coupled to their surroundings, and probes that yield information about materials in situ are essential to obtain a thorough understanding of interface functions and properties. The highly brilliant, hard x-rays available from synchrotron light sources can easily penetrate through gas or liquid environments, or even solid thin-film overlayers, and enable real-time monitoring of the evolving chemistry and structure of the interface with atomic-scale resolution. Here we review the in situ study of interfaces by a variety of synchrotron x-ray scattering techniques and provide several examples of their application in electrochemical processes and thin-film island growth. We also discuss recent advances in analytical techniques and x-ray optics that are facilitating the in situ study of surfaces and buried interfaces with direct imaging.
The splenic marginal zone shapes the phenotype of leukemia B cells and facilitates their niche-specific retention and survival

ABSTRACT Microenvironmental regulation in lymphoid tissues is essential for the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We identified cellular and molecular factors provided by the splenic marginal zone (MZ), which alter the migratory and adhesive behavior of leukemic cells. We used the Cxcr5−/−Eµ-Tcl1 leukemia mouse model, in which tumor cells are excluded from B cell follicles and instead accumulate within the MZ. Genes involved in MZ B cell development and genes encoding for adhesion molecules were upregulated in MZ-localized Cxcr5−/−Eµ-Tcl1 cells. Likewise, surface expression of the adhesion and homing molecules, CD49d/VLA-4 and CXCR7, and of NOTCH2 was increased. In vitro, exposing Eµ-Tcl1 cells or human CLL cells to niche-specific stimuli, like B cell receptor- or Toll-like receptor ligands, caused surface expression of these molecules characteristic for a follicular or MZ-like microenvironment, respectively. In vivo, inhibition of VLA-4-mediated adhesion and CXCL13-mediated follicular homing displaced leukemic cells not only from the follicle, but also from the MZ and reduced leukemia progression. We conclude that MZ-specific factors shape the phenotype of leukemic cells and facilitate their niche-specific retention. This strong microenvironmental influence gains pathogenic significance independent from tumor-specific genetic aberrations.
A Numerical Model to Study the Effect of Temperature on Electrical Conductivity of Polymer-CNT Nanocomposites

In this study the effect of the temperature on the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites with carbon nanotube (CNT) fillers was investigated. A three-dimensional continuum Monte Carlo model was developed and employed first to form a CNT percolation network. CNT fillers were randomly generated and dispersed in a cubic representative volume element. Periodic boundary conditions were applied in this model to minimize size effects while decreasing computational cost. CNT fibers that connected electrically to each other through electron hopping were recognized and grouped as clusters. In addition to tunneling resistance, the effect of intrinsic CNT resistivity was considered. A three-dimensional resistor network was subsequently developed to evaluate nanocomposite electrical properties. Modeling employing the finite element method was conducted to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the percolation network. Considering the determining role of tunneling resistance on electrical conductivity of CNT based nanocomposites, as well as results obtained from experimental studies, temperature was expected to play an important role in nanocomposite electrical properties. The effect of temperature on electrical conductivity of CNT nanocomposites was thus investigated through employing the developed Monte Carlo and finite element models. Other aspects, including the electrical behavior of the polymer, tunneling resistivity and the intrinsic resistivity of CNT were considered in this study as well. The comprehensiveness of the developed modeling approach enables an evaluation of results in conjunction with experimental data in future works.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Epigenetic regulators as promising therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most prevalent acute leukemia in adults, is an aggressive hematological malignancy arising in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. With the exception of a few specific AML subtypes, the mainstays of treatment have not significantly changed over the last 20 years, and are still based on standard cytotoxic chemotherapy. As a result, clinical outcome remains poor for the majority of patients, with overall long-term survival in the region of 20–30%. Recent successes in characterizing the genetic landscape of AML have highlighted that, despite its heterogeneity, many cases of AML carry recurrent mutations in genes encoding epigenetic regulators. Transcriptional dysregulation and altered epigenetic function have therefore emerged as exciting areas in AML research and it is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic dysfunction is central to leukemogenesis in AML. This has subsequently paved the way for the development of epigenetically targeted therapies. In this review, we will discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the role of epigenetic dysregulation in AML pathobiology. We will particularly focus on those altered epigenetic programs that have been shown to be central to the development and maintenance of AML in preclinical models. We will discuss the recent development of therapeutics specifically targeting these key epigenetic programs in AML, describe their mechanism of action and present their current clinical development. Finally, we will discuss the opportunities presented by epigenetically targeted therapy in AML and will highlight future challenges ahead for the AML community, to ensure that these novel therapeutics are optimally translated into clinical practice and result in clinical improvement for AML patients.
Release of Ferulic Acid from Wheat Bran by Ultrasonic Assisted Alkaline Hydrolysis

Ferulic acid, a compound showing antioxidant ability, is found in abundance in wheat bran. Its release depends mainly on the breaking of its ester linkage to other constitutive elements of the cell wall, such as arabinoxylans, ligin, cellulose and so on. Response surface methodology and orthogonal design were respectively used to evaluate the effects of NaOH concentration, alkali/ethanol ratio, extraction temperature and pH on ferulic acid extraction yield from wheat bran. The released ferulic acid concentration was determinated by HPLC method Experiments carried out under the predicted optimal conditions，with NaOH concentration of 5.76%, pH of 3.2, alkali/ethanol ratio of 1.39:1, temperature of 59.75 °C, the actual extraction yield in agreement with the expected yield, with 4.45mg. g-1 extraction rate of ferulic acid in wheat bran . And the results confirm the potential of wheat bran valorization in the field of natural antioxidant extraction, possibly viable in an industrial scheme.
Emergence of Erythromycin- and Clindamycin-Resistant Streptococcus pyogenes emm 90 Strains in Hawaii

ABSTRACT We identified 12 erythromycin- and clindamycin-resistant emm 90 group A streptococcus (GAS) isolates during a retrospective invasive disease survey in Hawaii. A comparison with 20 type-matched isolates showed all resistant isolates to be emm 90.4b with the constitutive or inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotype (cMLSB or iMLSB). All isolates had the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, suggesting clonal spread.
Latent Semantic Indexing : An Overview 1 Latent Semantic Indexing : An overview INFOSYS 240 Spring 2000 Final Paper

Typically, information is retrieved by literally matching terms in documents with those of a query. However, lexical matching methods can be inaccurate when they are used to match a user's query. Since there are usually many ways to express a given concept (synonymy), the literal terms in a user's query may not match those of a relevant document. In addition, most words have multiple meanings (polysemy), so terms in a user's query will literally match terms in irrelevant documents. A better approach would allow users to retrieve information on the basis of a conceptual topic or meaning of a document. Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) [Deerwester et al] tries to overcome the problems of lexical matching by using statistically derived conceptual indices instead of individual words for retrieval. LSI assumes that there is some underlying or latent structure in word usage that is partially obscured by variability in word choice. A truncated singular value decomposition (SVD) is used to estimate the structure in word usage across documents. Retrieval is then performed using the database of singular values and vectors obtained from the truncated SVD. Performance data shows that these statistically derived vectors are more robust indicators of meaning than individual terms. Section 2 is a review of basic concepts needed to understand LSI. In Section 3, a description of some of the advantages and disadvantages of LSI. The effectiveness of LSI has been demonstrated empirically in several text collections as increased average retrieval precision but a theoretical (and quantitative) understanding beyond empirical evidence is desirable. Section 4 describes some of the attempts that have been done in this direction. Finally, in Section 5 some applications of LSI.
Fracture and life prediction under thermal-mechanical strain cycling

— Thermal-mechanical cyclic strain tests were carried out under in-phase and out-of-phase conditions on a ferritic 1 CrMoV steel in the temperature range 315 to 565°C and two different batches of a 316 stainless steel in the temperature range 400 to 625°C. The results were compared with isothermal data. In general, lives for in-phase thermal-mechanical tests were lower than for equivalent isothermal tests. This was substantiated by metallographic examination which indicated greater intergranular damage for the in-phase specimens. The addition of a tensile dwell to the in-phase condition caused even greater differences. Three life prediction methods were used: the ductility exhaustion and a modified strain range partitioning approach gave reasonable estimates of life, whilst the linear life fraction method produced poor prediction.
Cholesteric liquid-crystal laser as an optic fiber-based temperature sensor

In this work, we have studied the temperature dependence of a cholesteric liquid-crystal laser coupled to an optical fiber, with a view towards optical fiber sensor applications. To stabilize the laser emission, we developed a procedure to align the liquid crystal placed in the fiber. Unexpected oscillations in the laser emission were observed as the temperature was varied, which can be understood in terms of the competition between bulk and surface anchoring torques.
Target of Rapamycin Regulates Development and Ribosomal RNA Expression through Kinase Domain in Arabidopsis1[W][OA]

Target of rapamycin (TOR) is a central regulator of cell growth, cell death, nutrition, starvation, hormone, and stress responses in diverse eukaryotes. However, very little is known about TOR signaling and the associated functional domains in plants. We have taken a genetic approach to dissect TOR functions in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and report here that the kinase domain is essential for the role of TOR in embryogenesis and 45S rRNA expression. Twelve new T-DNA insertion mutants, spanning 14.2 kb of TOR-encoding genomic region, have been characterized. Nine of these share expression of defective kinase domain and embryo arrest at 16 to 32 cell stage. However, three T-DNA insertion lines affecting FATC domain displayed normal embryo development, indicating that FATC domain was dispensable in Arabidopsis. Genetic complementation showed that the TOR kinase domain alone in tor-10/tor-10 mutant background can rescue early embryo lethality and restore normal development. Overexpression of full-length TOR or kinase domain in Arabidopsis displayed developmental abnormalities in meristem, leaf, root, stem, flowering time, and senescence. We further show that TOR, especially the kinase domain, plays a role in ribosome biogenesis by activating 45S rRNA production. Of the six putative nuclear localization sequences in the kinase domain, nuclear localization sequence 6 was identified to confer TOR nuclear targeting in transient expression assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the HEAT repeat domain binds to 45S rRNA promoter and the 5′ external transcribed spacer elements motif. Together, these results show that TOR controls the embryogenesis, postembryonic development, and 45S rRNA production through its kinase domain in Arabidopsis.
Shape exploration of designs in a style: Toward generation of product designs

Generative specifications have been used to systematically codify established styles in several design fields including architecture and product design. We examine how designers explore new designs in the early stages of product development as they manipulate and interpret shape representations. A model of exploration is proposed with four types of shape descriptions (contour, decomposition, structure, and design) and the results of the exploration are presented. Generative rules are used to provide consistent stylistic changes first within a given decomposition and second through changing the structure. Style expresses both the analytical order of explanation and the synthetic complexity of exploration. The model of exploration is consistent with observations of design practice. The application of generative design methods demonstrates a logical pattern for early stage design exploration. The model provides the basis for tools to assist designers in exploring families of designs in a style and for following new interpretations that move the exploration from one family to another.