Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model Extraction and Defenses on Generative Adversarial Networks

Model extraction attacks aim to duplicate a machine learning model through query access to a target model. Early studies mainly focus on discriminative models. Despite the success, model extraction attacks against generative models are less well explored. In this paper, we systematically study the feasibility of model extraction attacks against generative adversarial networks (GANs). Specifically, we first define accuracy and fidelity on model extraction attacks against GANs. Then we study model extraction attacks against GANs from the perspective of accuracy extraction and fidelity extraction, according to the adversary's goals and background knowledge. We further conduct a case study where an adversary can transfer knowledge of the extracted model which steals a state-of-the-art GAN trained with more than 3 million images to new domains to broaden the scope of applications of model extraction attacks. Finally, we propose effective defense techniques to safeguard GANs, considering a trade-off between the utility and security of GAN models.
VFSIE - Development and Testing Framework for Federated Science Instruments

Recent developments in softwarization of networked infrastructures combined with containerization of computing workflows promise unprecedented compute anywhere and everywhere capabilities for federations of edge and remote computing systems and science instruments. The development and testing of software stacks that implement these capabilities over physical production federations, however, is not very practical nor cost-effective. In response, we develop a digital twin of the physical infrastructure, called the Virtual Federated Science Instrument Environment (VFSIE). This framework emulates the federation using containers and hosts connected over an emulated network, and supports the development and testing of federation stacks and workflows. We illustrate its use in a case study involving Jupiter Notebook computations and instrument control.
Positive First-order Logic on Words

We study FO+, a fragment of first-order logic on finite words, where monadic predicates can only appear positively. We show that there is an FO-definable language that is monotone in monadic predicates but not definable in FO+. This provides a simple proof that Lyndon’s preservation theorem fails on finite structures. We additionally show that given a regular language, it is undecidable whether it is definable in FO+.
Inhalation developmental toxicology studies: Teratology study of 1,3-butadiene in mice: Final report

Gestational exposure to n-hexane resulted in an increase in the number of resorbed fetuses for exposure groups relative to the control group; however, the increases were not directly correlated to exposure concentration. The differences were statistically significant for the 200-ppM with respect to total intrauterine death (early plus late resorptions), and with respect to late resorptions for the 5000-ppM group. A small, but statistically significant, reduction in female (but not male) fetal body weight relative to the control group was observed at the 5000-ppM exposure level. There were no exposure-related increases in any individual fetal malformation or variation, nor was there any increase in the incidence of combined malformations or variations. Gestational exposure of CD-1 mice to n-hexane vapors appeared to cause a degree of concentration-related developmental toxicity in the absence of overt maternal toxicity, but the test material was not found to be teratogenic. This developmental toxicity was manifested as an increase in the number of resorptions per litter for all exposure levels, and as a decrease in the uterine: extra-gestational weight gain ratio at the 5000-ppM exposure level. Because of the significant increase in the number of resorptions at the 200-ppM exposure level, a no observable effect levelmore » (NOEL) for developmental toxicity was not established for exposure of mice to 200, 1000 or 5000-ppM n-hexane vapors. 21 refs., 3 figs., 9 tabs. « less
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of chitosan–metal nanocomposites

BACKGROUND The present study explores the synthesis of chitosan–metal nanocomposites in view of their increasing application as antimicrobial material. RESULTS Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. Copper sulphate hydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) and zinc acetate (Zn (O2CCH3)2) were used as precursors for synthesis of chitosan–copper nanocomposites (Cu/Ch) and chitosan–zinc nanocomposites (Zn/Ch), respectively. Synthesis of nanocomposites was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses (SEM-EDX) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cytotoxicity of nanoformulations was studied by Resazurin assay on Vero cell line (African green monkey kidney cell line). Their antibacterial activities were assessed by the zone of inhibition method and time dependent growth curve against Micrococcus luteus MTCC 1809, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 and Salmonella enterica MTCC 1253 in vitro. Antifungal activity was also studied against Alternaria alterneta, Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus flavus in vitro by the mycelium inhibition method. CONCLUSIONS It was observed that all nanoformulations show high antimicrobial activity against all test microorganisms. So chitosan–metal complexes could be promising candidates for novel antimicrobial agents in cosmetic, food and textile industries. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Elementary Theory of Quantum-Mechanical Collective Motion of Particles, II

An elementray theory of quantum-mechanical collective motion of many-particle systems is developed. The fundamental idea is illustrated by taking an example of surface oscillation of an incompressible system of particles. The essential point of the theory is, roughly speaking, the neglect of 1/V N against unity, N bein.g the number of pa1ti:les of the system. The method is a natural generaliza­ tion of separation of translational motwn from the internal relative motion by the use of centre of mass coordinates. A description in terms of field concept is briefly discussed.
EUPHEMISM OF SURAH AL-BAQARAH IN THE HOLY QUR’AN

This study deals with euphemism of surah Al-Baqarah in the Holy Qur’an. It was aimed for investigating the types of euphemism used in surah Al-Baqarah, to describe realization of euphemistic expressions in surah Al-Baqarah, and to elaborate the reasons for realization of euphemism in surah Al-Baqarah. This study was conducted by using descriptive qualitative research. The data analyzed were sentence to sentence which contained euphemism. The source of the data was taken from Tafseer Ibn Kathir Vol 1-10 in the English language with Arabic verses. The researcher is the key instrument of the research. The result showed that there were 29 verses that contained of euphemism of surah Al-Baqarah. It divided into four concepts found in surah Al-Baqarah and one concept as new finding found in surah Al-Baqarah. Specifically, 1 (4%) for Shortening, 7 (23%) for Remodelling, 17 (59%) for Semantic change, 2 (7%) for Borrowing, and 2 (7%) for narrowing as new finding. The dominant types of euphemism of surah Al-Baqarah was Semantic change. It means that Muslim have to understanding and comprehending the meaning deeply. The ways of euphemism realized in surah Al-Baqarah, namely direct, indirect, implicit, and explicit. The reason euphemism realized in surah Al-Baqarah to soften a vulgar expression. In certain social contexts, they are used to avoid embarrassment and the direct mention of social taboos. In other situations, they are used to give more importance and a higher status to certain individuals and events.Keyword: Euphemism, Taboo, Surah Al-Baqarah
Synthesis of the Precursor of K252a and Its Analogs

Abstract A practical and efficient asymmetric synthesis of the key precursor furanose 3 for the synthesis of K252a and CEP-701 has been achieved in nine steps with an overall yield of 12.8% from (R)-methyl β-hydroxytetradecanoate 5, an industrial intermediate for production of orlistat.
Blends of sulfonated polysulfone/polysulfone/4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane-based benzoxazine: multiphase structures and properties

To overcome the brittleness of polybenzoxazine and decrease its high curing temperature, sulfonated polysulfone/polysulfone/benzoxazine ternary blends were prepared, and their curing behaviors, phase structures and properties were probed. Sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU) was synthesized firstly, and then SPSU was applied to modify 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane based benzoxazine (BZ-m) along with polysulfone. The results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry showed that the addition of SPSU efficiently decreased the curing temperature of BZ-m, and furthermore affected the phase structures of SPSU/PSU/PBZ-m blends. The phase structures of the corresponding blends were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis to probe the relationship between the microstructures and mechanical properties. According to the results, the blends presented complicated phase structures and exhibited good comprehensive mechanical properties. Moreover, all the blends displayed good thermal stability and the blends with SPSU-PBZ-m core − shell particles and a phase inversion structure exhibited the highest comprehensive mechanical properties. We believe these blends can meet the requirement of applications relating to high strength and good toughness matrix for fiber reinforced composites. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanism of Persistent Luminescence in Eu2+ and Dy3+ Codoped Aluminate and Silicate Compounds

A mechanism of persistent luminescence that was proposed in 1996 for SrAl2O4:Eu2+;Dy3+ has been widely adopted to explain afterglow in many Eu2+ and Dy3+ codoped aluminates and silicates. The mechanism involves the thermally activated release of a hole from Eu2+ in its excited 5d state to the valence band which is subsequently trapped by Dy3+. In this work the location of the lanthanide energy levels relative to the valence and conduction band of various compounds is presented. It is shown that the mechanism of persistent luminescence cannot be correct. An alternative model that involves the ionization of the 5d electron to conduction band states and subsequent trapping by Dy3+ is proposed. The level schemes are consistent, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with many observations regarding persistent luminescence. They also provide insight into the mechanism of thermal quenching of Eu2+ 5d-4f emission.
Cold crystallization of polytetrafluoroethylene by γ irradiation

Changes in density and in the corresponding degree of crystallinity with radiation dose are studied experimentally for γ-irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the dose range from 1 X 103 to 1 X 109 R. The relation between the amorphous fraction and the radiation dose is derived from a quantitative analysis of cold crystallization by scission of polymer backbone chains. The characteristic radiation dose, at which one break occurs on the average per initial molecule, is estimated as about 3 X 104 R on the basis of a derived kinetic equation. The theoretical relation is modified by considering microvoids produced in the irradiated samples. The radii of microvoids in the form of spheres are evaluated as about 0.2 nm, and are also related to cage spheres relevant to the chain scission process. Good agreement between the modified theoretical relation and experimental data is attained over the entire range of radiation dose.
An LDA study of the turbulent flow field in a baffled vessel agitated by an axial, down-pumping hydrofoil impeller

The turbulent flow of water in a cylindrical, baffled vessel with an axial flow hydrofoil impeller, either a Chemineer HE3 (CHE3) or a Prochem Maxflo T (PMT), has been studied using a laser Doppler anemometer. Using ensemble averaging, the mean axial and radial flow and the associated fluctuating components were obtained for the whole of the vessel; plus similar data for the tangential component close to the impeller. Assuming axial symmetry, flow rates were calculated as were flow numbers and circulation flow numbers. Power numbers were also determined. All the data obtained were used to compare the circulation efficiency of the two hydrofoils plus a pitched blade and a Rushton turbine. This comparison showed that the CHE3 required a power input of about 2/3 of that for the PMT and about 1/3 of that for the pitched blade and Rushton turbine to obtain the same axial-radial circulation in the tankz.
Hydrogen in silicate melt inclusions in quartz from granite detected with Raman spectroscopy

By using Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen was detected, together with CH4, N-2, H2O, disordered graphite, and possibly a (CH4)(n)(H-2)(m) compound, in silicate melt inclusions (SMIs) in quartz from Jiajika granite in China. The occurrences of H-2 in fluid or melt inclusions are rarely reported because they are not commonly expected, and also the spectral window above 4000cm(-1) wavenumbers, where the dominant signals of H-2 located, is rarely covered in routine Raman analyses due to limited information of geological interest available in that spectral range. The mechanisms for the occurrence of H-2 in these SMIs are unknown. However, the retention of H-2 in these SMIs was most likely resulted from the low diffusion rate of H-2 in quartz at low temperatures and also the low H-2 gradient between SMIs and their environments surrounding the host minerals. More studies are needed to determine whether the occurrences of H-2 in inclusions in minerals are common in similar or other rock types, to formulate the mechanisms for its entrapment, and to investigate the associated geological processes. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Silver−Gold Bimetallic Nanostructures with Hollow Interiors and Bearing Nanospikes

One-pot preparation of shell-type silver-gold bimetallic nanostructures with hollow interiors and bearing nanospikes, based on colloid seed-engaged replacement reaction and colloid-mediated deposition reactions, has been reported. Heating-induced evolution of Ag-Au bimetallic nanoshells can lead to spontaneous production of nanospikes on the colloid surface. The hollow interior structure and bimetallic nature of the as-prepared colloids are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Application of Biomarkers for the Prediction and Diagnosis of Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer

The most common metastatic site of breast cancer is the bone. Metastatic bone disease can alter the integrity of the bone and cause serious complications, thereby greatly reducing health-related quality of life and leading to high medical costs. Although diagnostic methods and treatments for bone metastases (BM) are improving, some patients with early breast cancer who are at high risk of BM are not diagnosed early enough, leading to delayed intervention. Moreover, whole-body scintigraphy cannot easily distinguish BM from non-malignant bone diseases. To circumvent these issues, specific gene and protein biomarkers are being investigated for their potential to predict, diagnose, and evaluate breast cancer prognosis. In this review, we summarized the current biomarkers associated with BM in breast cancer and their role in clinical applications to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of BM in the future.
Effects of wet-to-dry bandages on second intention healing of surgical wounds on the skin of goats

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of wet-to-dry bandages for the treatment of surgical wounds in goats. Materials and Methods: Three types of bandages, i.e., the calcium alginate gel, the homogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel dressing, and saline dressing, were used to promote the healing process for the management of wounds. Artificial circular wounds were created and treated with bandages to evaluate their effects on the wound healing process in 12 goats. The morphological parameters, i.e., diameters (cm), duration of healing, and wound contraction (cm), were evaluated to differentiate the postoperative sequelae on wound healing process up to day 30 in three different treatment groups of goats. Tissue specimens from the wounds were examined histopathologically on 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 30th postoperative days. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 19 software. Results: The current study revealed that the contraction diameter was higher in calcium alginate gel and PRP gel treated group when compared to the saline dressing group. Aggregation of immunoreactive cells (neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes), collagen fiber bundles among the cells, and proliferation of blood vessels were observed in the epidermis of calcium alginate gel, PRP gel treated and saline dressing wounds, which promote the healing process of wounds. In visual inspection, the number of reactive cells and proliferation of blood vessels were higher in the calcium alginate gel and PRP gel treated group than the saline dressing. Conclusion: In terms of epithelialization, epidermal characteristics, neovascularization, and infiltration of immunoreactive cells, the calcium alginate gel and the homogenous PRP gel dressings showed the best healing performance. Therefore, the present study suggests that clinicians could consider the calcium alginate gel dressing and homogenous PRP gel dressing as beneficial for wound care.
Benefit of oxytocin released by cervix stimulation in Mexican Holstein cattle

Objective: The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship level of oxytocin released and the tactile stimulation of the cervix in Holstein cattle from the northwestern arid regions in México. Materials and Methods: The cervixes of 10 Holstein Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were manually stimulated for 60 sec. Oxytocin released in the blood was analyzed before and after stimulation. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used in the analysis to make oxytocin detectable by spectrometry techniques and by converting the luminescence absorbance of each sample into pg per mol. Results: The study revealed that tactile stimulation of the cervix increased oxytocin levels. The highest increase in oxytocin level was 10,940.8222 pg/mol, while the lowest increase in oxytocin level was 1,830.94254 pg/mol. Besides, the milk production by tactile stimulation of the cervix had a higher milk yield and a p-value of 9.4 × 10−4 (p < 0.05) in comparison to the monthly average without tactile stimulation. Conclusion: Tactile stimulation of the cervix activates the Ferguson reflex and increases the oxytocin released in the blood and increases the milk released from the alveolar glands.
HeaDax: A simple pre-surgical procedure for localizing superficial brain lesions in resource-limited environments

Background: Intracranial convexity lesions are poorly defined by recognizable anatomical landmarks. Even in expert hands, exact localization of small subcortical lesion and its projection to the skull is sometimes unreliable and can cause potential surgical complications. In this report, a simple and handy technique for localizing superficial intracranial lesions on the scalp under computed tomography (CT)-scan guidance is described. Methods: This technique, HeaDax, is based on using extracranial landmarks. We constructed an isosceles square triangle with three pieces of copper electrical wire and placed it on the skin scalp. Then, we took a CT-scan but without the need of the classic head reference planes (e.g., orbitomeatal or along the orbital roof). Results: For the measurements, we need to have the intracranial lesion located on the CT slice with respect to the two landmarks which are the height and hypotenuse of the triangle. The promising preliminary results of HeaDax applied to a phantom skull model encourage us to use it successfully for our first patient presenting a right subcortial supramarginal retrorolandic cavernoma. Conclusion: HeaDax procedure is a good alternative for localizing superficial intracranial lesions on the skin scalp under CT-scan or magnetic resonance imaging guidance. It can be used as a substitute when stereotactic and neuronavigation systems are not easily available, especially in developing countries and in resource-limited environments. HeaDax has a true potential for further developments and applications in cranial surgery.
Recent Advances in the Development of TGF-β Signaling Inhibitors for Anticancer Therapy

TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in both physiologic and pathologic processes, including cancer. Importantly, TGF-β has a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter, depending on the stage of tumor development. The aberrantly upregulated production of TGF-β has been strongly implicated in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as immune evasion. Therefore, hyperactivated TGF-β signaling is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Numerous inhibitors of overactivated TGF-β signaling have been developed, and some of them are currently in clinical trials. This review focuses on the TGF-β signaling that contributes to tumor progression and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment and presents recent achievements on TGF-β signaling inhibition as a single or combined therapeutic approach in cancer therapy.
Atrazine and Metolachlor Loss in Surface and Subsurface Runoff from Three Tillage Treatments in Corn

Conservation tillage with residue management has been proposed as the most effective means to reduce soil deterioration in southwestern Ontario. Two conservation tillage treatments, ridge (RT) and zero (ZT) tillage, were compared with conventional moldboard plow (CT) tillage from 1987 to 1990 for atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methyethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], deethylatrazine [6-chloro-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], and metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] loss in surface runoff and tile discharge. Twenty-five to 44% of the annual rainfall resulted in total field runoff (surface runoff or tile discharge). Conservation tillage increased surface runoff 42% and decreased tile discharge 15% compared with conventional tillage, but total field runoff was the same from all treatments. Runoff events shortly after herbicide application produced the greatest herbicide concentrations and losses in both surface runoff and subdurface drainage. Averaged over years, herbicide concentration in surface runoff and tile discharge was, respectively, 1.3 and 1.8 times greater from conservation than conventional tillage. Conservation tillage altered the source of herbiciide loss compared with conventional tillage, but environmental factors after herbicide application were more important in determining total herbicide loss than tillage. Deethylatrazine was found in both surface runoff and tile drainage and accounted for 10 to 27% of combined atrazine and deethylatrazine loss