Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Group Authentication and Key Exchange Scheme Based on Threshold Secret Sharing for IoT Smart Metering Environments

The Internet of Things (IoT) environment is constantly evolving. Many IoT services have emerged, improving living conditions. Smart homes were among the first developments, and smart buildings, smart factories, and smart cities are attracting increasing attention. Smart cities represent the ultimate convergence of the IoT, the Cloud, big data, and mobile technology. Smart homes, buildings, and factories create smart cities. In addition, the IoT finds applications in traffic control, public safety, and medical services, permitting group-based communication. As the scale of service grows, the number of things (devices) constituting the service also increases. However, security vulnerabilities arise in group-based communication environments. A device may require authentication when entering a gateway; to secure environments with large numbers of devices (such as those featuring IoT smart metering), the gateways bear heavy loads. Therefore, efficient authentication of group leaders and devices is essential. Here, we develop a dynamic group authentication and key exchange scheme for group-based IoT smart metering environments which enables efficient communication among secure IoT services. Our group authentication scheme increases the computational efficiency of the group leader and the participating devices, based on a threshold secret sharing technique.
Validation of Time in Range as an Outcome Measure for Diabetes Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the association of time in range (TIR) of 70–180 mg/dL (3.9–10 mmol/L) with the development or progression of retinopathy and development of microalbuminuria using the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) data set in order to validate the use of TIR as an outcome measure for clinical trials. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the DCCT, blood glucose concentrations were measured at a central laboratory from seven fingerstick samples (seven-point testing: pre- and 90-min postmeals and at bedtime) collected during 1 day every 3 months. Retinopathy progression was assessed every 6 months and urinary microalbuminuria development every 12 months. Proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of TIR and other glycemic metrics, computed from the seven-point fingerstick data, with the rate of development of microvascular complications. RESULTS Mean TIR of seven-point profiles for the 1,440 participants was 41 ± 16%. The hazard rate of development of retinopathy progression was increased by 64% (95% CI 51–78), and development of the microalbuminuria outcome was increased by 40% (95% CI 25–56), for each 10 percentage points lower TIR (P < 0.001 for each). Results were similar for mean glucose and hyperglycemia metrics. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, a compelling case can be made that TIR is strongly associated with the risk of microvascular complications and should be an acceptable end point for clinical trials. Although hemoglobin A1c remains a valuable outcome metric in clinical trials, TIR and other glycemic metrics—especially when measured with continuous glucose monitoring—add value as outcome measures in many studies.
Manipulability Inclusive Principle for Assistive Result Evaluation of Assistive Mechanism

In this paper, from the aspect of kinematics, we reveal the physical significance of assistance for the assistive mechanism. Then, Manipulability Inclusive Principle (MIP) is proposed to evaluate assistive mechanism's assistive feasibility and assistive effect through the manipulability comparison between the assisted limb and slave-active-assistive mechanism. The optimization based on MIP can make the assistive mechanism realize better kinematical performance and assistance. The design and optimization of the assistive mechanism should keep the assistive mechanism from interfering with human's movements in the expected workspace. More importantly, it should also keep the assistive mechanism not only have better kinematical performance on symmetry, isotropy, etc. but also be able to provide better assistance for human. The application on the human lower-limb straight-walking power-assisting mechanism shows that the design and optimization based on MIP can find out the assistive mechanism which satisfies assistive feasibility and realizes better assistive effect in the whole expected workspace.
Astrocyte-Derived Exosomes Treated With a Semaphorin 3A Inhibitor Enhance Stroke Recovery via Prostaglandin D2 Synthase

Background and Purpose— Exosomes play a pivotal role in neurogenesis. In the peri-infarct area after stroke, axons begin to regenerate but are inhibited by astrocyte scar formation. The direct effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-derived exosomes on axonal outgrowth after ischemia are not known. Methods— Using a semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) inhibitor, we explored neuronal signaling during axonal outgrowth after ischemia in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and in cultured cortical neurons challenged with oxygen-glucose deprivation. Furthermore, we assessed whether this inhibitor suppressed astrocyte activation and regulated astrocyte-derived exosomes to enhance axonal outgrowth after ischemia. Results— In rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion, we administered a Sema3A inhibitor into the peri-infarct area from 7 to 21 days after occlusion. We found that phosphorylated high-molecular weight neurofilament-immunoreactive axons were increased, glial fibrillary acidic protein–immunoreactive astrocytes were decreased, and functional recovery was promoted at 28 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. In cultured neurons, the Sema3A inhibitor decreased Rho family GTPase 1, increased R-Ras, which phosphorylates Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3&bgr; (GSK-3&bgr;), selectively increased phosphorylated GSK-3&bgr; in axons, and thereby enhanced phosphorylated high-molecular weight neurofilament-immunoreactive axons after oxygen-glucose deprivation. In cultured astrocytes, the Sema3A inhibitor suppressed activation of astrocytes induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Exosomes secreted from ischemic astrocytes treated with the Sema3A inhibitor further promoted axonal elongation and increased prostaglandin D2 synthase expression on microarray analysis. GSK-3&bgr;+ and prostaglandin D2 synthase+ neurons were robustly increased after treatment with the Sema3A inhibitor in the peri-infarct area. Conclusions— Neuronal Rho family GTPase 1/R-Ras/Akt/GSK-3&bgr; signaling, axonal GSK-3&bgr; expression, and astrocyte-derived exosomes with prostaglandin D2 synthase expression contribute to axonal outgrowth and functional recovery after stroke.
MoCaNA, un agent de négociation automatique utilisant la recherche arborescente de Monte-Carlo

La negociation automatique est un sujet qui suscite un interet croissant dans la recherche en IA. Les methodes de Monte-Carlo ont quantaquanta elles vecu un grand essor, notamment suite a leur utilisation sur les jeuxajeuxa haut facteur de branchement tel que le go. Dans cet article, nous decrivons un agent de negociation automatique, Monte-Carlo Negotiating Agent (MoCaNA) dont la strategie d'offre s'appuie sur la recherche arborescente de Monte Carlo. Nous munissons cet agent de methodes de modelisation de la strategie et de l'utilite adverse. MoCaNA est capable de negocier sur des do-maines de negociation continus et dans un contexte o` u aucune borne n'est specifiee. Nous confrontons MoCaNA aux agents de l'ANAC 2014 et a un RandomWalker sur des domaines de negociation differents. Il se montre capable de surpasser le Random-Walker dans un domaine sans borne et la majorite des finalistes de l'ANAC dans un domaine avec borne.
Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Intravitreal Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Prompt versus Deferred Focal Laser during Long-Term Follow-Up and Identification of Prognostic Retinal Markers

Purpose Long-term follow-up of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) combined focal laser and identification of prognostic morphological characteristics. Methods Prospective clinical trial (50 treatment-naive eyes) with DME randomized 1 : 1 receiving intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 ml) and prompt grid laser compared with ranibizumab and deferred laser. Morphological characteristics potentially relevant for prognosis were assessed at baseline, month 6, month 9, and years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of follow-up. Results Although functional results were slightly higher in the prompt group at week 12 (0.5; 20/40 Snellen (SD = 0.04, 0.3 logMAR) versus 0.4; 20/50 Snellen (SD = 0.04, logMAR: 0.4), p=0.4) and month 9 (prompt group: 0.5; 20/40 Snellen (SD = 0.03, 0.3 logMAR) versus deferred group: 0.4; 20/50 Snellen (SD = 0.04, 0.4 logMAR), p=0.4), these were statistically insignificant. There was no significant benefit regarding functionality during long-term follow-up in the prompt group compared to the deferred group. BCVA in the eyes with clusters of hyperreflective foci in the central macular region was inferior compared with the eyes without these alterations at year 5 (0.39; 20/50 Snellen, (SD = 0.25, 0.4 logMAR) versus 0.63; 20/80 Snellen (SD = 0.22, 0.2 logMAR), p < 0.01). Conclusion Grid laser and ranibizumab therapy are effective in DME management during the long-term follow-up. Intraretinal hyperreflective material in SD-OCT is negatively related to BCVA.
AirborneCPS: A Simulator for Functional Dependencies in Cyber Physical Systems: A Traffic Collision Avoidance System Implementation

The term "Cyber Physical System" (CPS) has been used in the recent years to describe a system type, which makes use of powerful communication networks to functionally combine systems that were previously thought of as independent. The common theme of CPSs is that through communication, CPSs can make decisions together and achieve common goals. Yet, in contrast to traditional system types such as embedded systems, the functional dependence between CPSs can change dynamically at runtime. Hence, their functional dependence may cause unforeseen runtime behavior, e.g., when a CPS becomes unavailable, but others depend on its correct operation. During development of any individual CPS, this runtime behavior must hence be predicted, and the system must be developed with the appropriate level of robustness. Since at present, research is mainly concerned with the impact of functional dependence in CPS on development, the impact on runtime behavior is mere conjecture. In this paper, we present AirborneCPS, a simulation tool for functionally dependent CPSs which simulates runtime behavior and aids in the identification of undesired functional interaction.
Description of training loads using whole-body exercise during high-intensity interval training

OBJECTIVES: To describe external training load and internal training load through sets of a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) body work. METHODS: Twenty male individuals (24±3 years) performed a HIIT body work protocol consisting of a single bout of exercise with 1:1 stimuli. The exercises used were 30 min in duration with “all-out” intensity. The exercises included jumping jacks, mountain climbers, burpees and squat jumps, totaling 20 min of exercise. During exercise, total movement capacity, blood lactate measurement, ratings of perceived exertion and recovery, training load and intensity were monitored. RESULTS: The single bout examined showed a total of 382±89 movements. Differences (p<0.01) in the total amount of movement for each exercise were noted, reflecting the difficulty of maintaining exercise over time. Increases in lactate concentrations (before: 0.98±0.16, after: 14.10±1.66; mmol/L) were found postexercise. Significant differences (p<0.01) were found after the fifth set, and the values for movement capacity remained higher than the values of the first set, demonstrating high load in a single session. No differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during the sets were found. However, the ratings of perceived recuperation from the second set were significantly (p<0.01) lower than those from the first set. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise protocol used in this study was of high intensity and produced large values for stress during performance, with increases recorded for the internal load indicators.
Neuromodulation of Neuromorphic Circuits

We present a novel methodology to enable control of a neuromorphic circuit in close analogy with the physiological neuromodulation of a single neuron. The methodology is general in that it only relies on a parallel interconnection of elementary voltage-controlled current sources. In contrast to controlling a nonlinear circuit through the parameter tuning of a state-space model, our approach is purely input–output. The circuit elements are controlled and interconnected to shape the current–voltage characteristics (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> curves) of the circuit in prescribed timescales. In turn, shaping those <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> curves determines the excitability properties of the circuit. We show that this methodology enables both robust and accurate control of the circuit behavior and resembles the biophysical mechanisms of neuromodulation. As a proof of concept, we simulate a SPICE model composed of MOSFET transconductance amplifiers operating in the weak inversion regime.
Upper extremity bone mineral content asymmetries in tennis players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude of upper extremity bone mineral content (BMC) asymmetries in tennis players. Furthermore, the influence of sex (male versus female versus mixed), chronological age (juniors: < 18 years; adults: 18–39 years and seniors: ≥ 40 years) and starting age (early starters: < 14 years and late starters: > 18 years) on these asymmetries were examined. Two databases were searched for scientific articles that examined upper extremity BMC in tennis players. Pooling of the individual study effect sizes was conducted using the random-effects model. Three subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, chronological age and starting age. Out of the 15 included studies 24 effect sizes were extracted resulting in a significant difference in BMC value between the dominant and nondominant upper extremity of the tennis players (Standardised Mean Difference: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.67–1.03]). The three subgroup analyses all showed medium to strong effect sizes and significant intergroup differences. To conclude, BMC was significantly higher in the dominant upper extremity compared to the nondominant upper extremity in tennis players. Nevertheless, the influence of training volume and playing experience on these asymmetries are yet to be examined.
Comparison of Spatial and Temporal Genetic Differentiation in a Harmful Dinoflagellate Species Emphasizes Impact of Local Processes

Population genetic studies provide insights into intraspecific diversity and dispersal patterns of microorganisms such as protists, which help understanding invasions, harmful algal bloom development and occurrence of seafood poisoning. Genetic differentiation across geography has been reported in many microbial species indicating significant dispersal barriers among different habitats. Temporal differentiation has been less studied and its frequency, drivers and magnitude are poorly understood due to a lack of integral studies. The toxic dinoflagellate species Gambierdiscus caribaeus was sampled during two years in the Florida Keys, and repeatedly from 2006 to 2016 at St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI), including a three-year period with monthly sampling, to compare spatial and temporal genetic differentiation. Samples from the USVI site showed high temporal variability in local population structure, which correlated with changes in salinity and benthic habitat cover. In some cases, temporal variability exceeded spatial differentiation, despite apparent lack of connectivity and dispersal across the Greater Caribbean Region based on the spatial genetic data. Thus, local processes such as selection might have a stronger influence on population structure in microorganisms than geographic distance. The observed high temporal genetic diversity challenges the prediction of harmful algal blooms and toxin concentrations, but illustrates also the evolutionary potential of microalgae to respond to environmental change.
Cationic Substitutions in Hydroxyapatite: Current Status of the Derived Biofunctional Effects and Their In Vitro Interrogation Methods

High-performance bioceramics are required for preventing failure and prolonging the life-time of bone grafting scaffolds and osseous implants. The proper identification and development of materials with extended functionalities addressing socio-economic needs and health problems constitute important and critical steps at the heart of clinical research. Recent findings in the realm of ion-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) could pave the road towards significant developments in biomedicine, with an emphasis on a new generation of orthopaedic and dentistry applications, since such bioceramics are able to mimic the structural, compositional and mechanical properties of the bone mineral phase. In fact, the fascinating ability of the HA crystalline lattice to allow for the substitution of calcium ions with a plethora of cationic species has been widely explored in the recent period, with consequent modifications of its physical and chemical features, as well as its functional mechanical and in vitro and in vivo biological performance. A comprehensive inventory of the progresses achieved so far is both opportune and of paramount importance, in order to not only gather and summarize information, but to also allow fellow researchers to compare with ease and filter the best solutions for the cation substitution of HA-based materials and enable the development of multi-functional biomedical designs. The review surveys preparation and synthesis methods, pinpoints all the explored cation dopants, and discloses the full application range of substituted HA. Special attention is dedicated to the antimicrobial efficiency spectrum and cytotoxic trade-off concentration values for various cell lines, highlighting new prophylactic routes for the prevention of implant failure. Importantly, the current in vitro biological tests (widely employed to unveil the biological performance of HA-based materials), and their ability to mimic the in vivo biological interactions, are also critically assessed. Future perspectives are discussed, and a series of recommendations are underlined.
Atrial fibrillation occurring initially during acute medical illness: the heterogeneous nature of disease, outcomes and management strategies.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring transiently in association with other acute medical conditions, such as surgery, infectious diseases and myocardial infarction, has provoked substantial debates. This com-mon arrhythmia is often seen in the emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU) and others, and has been termed as ‘secondary’, ‘acute’, ‘transient’, ‘resolved’ or ‘new-onset’ AF, all of which suggests or implies that the arrhythmia is caused by a reversible aetiology and being self-limited. 1,2 However, ‘transient’ AF may not be conclusive as AF often re-occurs during follow-up or may be merely the first de-tection of paroxysmal or persistent AF. Indeed, the episode of ‘transient’ AF in association with other acute medical conditions may indicate that the individual is predis-posed to developing AF. Otherwise the patient may well have had si-lent episodes of AF but was unaware, and the acute medical presentation may be a result of decompensation related to the arrhythmia or represent as a resultant complication. Perhaps more relevant is whether such ‘transient’
Statistical theory of branching morphogenesis

Branching morphogenesis remains a subject of abiding interest. Although much is known about the gene regulatory programs and signaling pathways that operate at the cellular scale, it has remained unclear how the macroscopic features of branched organs, including their size, network topology and spatial patterning, are encoded. Lately, it has been proposed that, these features can be explained quantitatively in several organs within a single unifying framework. Based on large‐scale organ reconstructions and cell lineage tracing, it has been argued that morphogenesis follows from the collective dynamics of sublineage‐restricted self‐renewing progenitor cells, localized at ductal tips, that act cooperatively to drive a serial process of ductal elongation and stochastic tip bifurcation. By correlating differentiation or cell cycle exit with proximity to maturing ducts, this dynamic results in the specification of a complex network of defined density and statistical organization. These results suggest that, for several mammalian tissues, branched epithelial structures develop as a self‐organized process, reliant upon a strikingly simple, but generic, set of local rules, without recourse to a rigid and deterministic sequence of genetically programmed events. Here, we review the basis of these findings and discuss their implications.
In vitro Methods for the Development and Analysis of Human Primary Airway Epithelia

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes for a channel expressed at the apical surface of epithelial tissues. Defective chloride and bicarbonate secretion, arising from CFTR mutations, cause a multi-organ disease. In the airways, impaired ion transport results in a thick mucus, dehydration of the periciliar region and bacterial infections. Over the last years, basic research has sustained a great effort to identify therapies that are able to correct defective CFTR. For this purpose, in vitro cell models have played a key role in the study of mechanisms of the disease and to assess CFTR modulator therapies. Cultures of human primary bronchial epithelia are considered a physiologically relevant disease model due to their ability to maintain most of the morphological and functional characteristics of the airway epithelium in vivo. Despite their value, these cells are limited by the availability of human lung tissue and by the complexity of the culture procedure. However, primary human nasal cells can be considered as an alternative model for the study of CF pathophysiology since they are easier to obtain and recapitulate the properties of bronchial cultures. Over the years, several groups have optimized a protocol with key steps to culture and fully amplify differentiated primary airway epithelia. Our approach provides epithelia monolayers grown on porous filters, characterized by high transepithelial electrical resistance and an electrical potential difference. These parameters are required to perform electrophysiological experiments devoted to the study of ion transport mechanisms in airway epithelia. The aim of this study was to describe different methods to expand and differentiate isolated cells into fully polarized monolayers of airway epithelium, in order to provide an optimized protocol to support physiopathology analysis and to evaluate therapeutic strategies.