SCAR: Power Side-Channel Analysis at RTL-Level

Power side-channel attacks exploit the dynamic power consumption of cryptographic operations to leak sensitive information of encryption hardware. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct power side-channel analysis for assessing the susceptibility of cryptographic systems and mitigating potential risks. Existing power side-channel analysis primarily focuses on post-silicon implementations, which are inflexible in addressing design flaws, leading to costly and time-consuming post-fabrication design re-spins. Hence, pre-silicon power side-channel analysis is required for early detection of vulnerabilities to improve design robustness. In this paper, we introduce SCAR, a novel pre-silicon power side-channel analysis framework based on Graph Neural Networks (GNN). SCAR converts register-transfer level (RTL) designs of encryption hardware into control-data flow graphs and use that to detect the design modules susceptible to side-channel leakage. Furthermore, we incorporate a deep learning-based explainer in SCAR to generate quantifiable and human-accessible explanation of our detection and localization decisions. We have also developed a fortification component as a part of SCAR that uses large-language models (LLM) to automatically generate and insert additional design code at the localized zone to shore up the side-channel leakage. When evaluated on popular encryption algorithms like AES, RSA, and PRESENT, and postquantum cryptography algorithms like Saber and CRYSTALS-Kyber, SCAR, achieves up to 94.49% localization accuracy, 100% precision, and 90.48% recall. Additionally, through explainability analysis, SCAR reduces features for GNN model training by 57% while maintaining comparable accuracy. We believe that SCAR will transform the security-critical hardware design cycle, resulting in faster design closure at a reduced design cost

Three-component coupling of alkynes, Baylis-Hillman adducts and sodium azide: a new synthesis of substituted triazoles

A three-component coupling was used to prepare a series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from the corresponding acetylated Baylis-Hillman adducts, sodium azide and terminal alkynes. This one-pot reaction further increases the efficacy of 'Click' synthesis and diversifies the preparation of multi-functional 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles. Graphical abstract A three-component coupling was used to prepare a series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from the corresponding acetylated Baylis-Hillman adducts, sodium azide and terminal alkynes. This one-pot reaction further increases the efficacy of 'Click' synthesis and diversifies the preparation of multi-functional 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles

Dosimetric feasibility and clinical outcome of image guided interstitial brachytherapy using two different fractionation schedule in carcinoma cervix

Background: In advanced cervical cancer, external beam radiotherapy along with concurrent chemotherapy followed by brachytherapy is the treatment of choice. There are various dose fractionation regimes for template-based high dose rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) following external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for cancer cervix with consideration of the normal-tissue EQD23Gy dose limits and recommended D90 goal between 85 and 95 Gy EQD210Gy for the high risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV). Materials and methods: 60 patients were accrued between 2014–2017 and treated with ISBT using Syed–Neblett Template by iridium 192 with Gamma Med plus HDR after loader unit. They were allotted in 2 arms (n = 30) and received 9 Gy ×2# and 7 Gy ×3 #, respectively. All patients received 50 Gy/25# whole pelvis EBRT by Theratron 780C. Coverage index (CI), dose homogeneity index (DHI), overdose index (OI), dose non-uniformity ratio (DNR), D90 Target and 2 cc EQD2 of OARs were calculated and correlated with toxicity, locoregional control and survival. Unpaired t-test and χ2 test were used. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated and a log-rank test was used for comparison. Results: Mean equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) for the bladder (77.33 vs. 80.24 Gy) and rectum (69.12 vs. 69.87) along with D90 (9.12 Gy vs. 7.20 Gy) were comparable. With a median follow up period of 38 months, 3-year local control rate was 56.6% vs. 46.60% (p = 0.72) and 3-year OS was also similar: 83% vs. 80% (p = 0.8). Conclusions: In a developing country like India, 9 Gy ×2 # is a reasonably good alternative for treating locally advanced carcinoma cervix, keeping the patient compliance and convenience in mind

Novel synthetic route to the tricyclic core of (±)-galanthamine

In this Letter, we describe the novel synthetic approach to the tricyclic core of (±)-galanthamine from the easily available starting material isovanillin

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane-catalyzed synthesis of N-benzyl pyrrolidines

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of in situ generated azometh-ine ylides to electron deficient olefins catalyzed tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane is described

Comparison of analgesic effect of intra-articular administration of levobupivacaine and clonidine versus ropivacaine and clonidine in day care knee arthroscopic surgery under spinal anesthesia

Introduction: Intra-articular (IA) local anesthetics are often used for the management and prevention of pain after arthroscopic knee surgery. Clonidine prolongs the duration of local anesthetics. In this study, analgesic effect of intra-articular administration of levobupivacaine and clonidine was compared with ropivacaine and clonidine in knee joint arthroscopic surgery under spinal anesthesia. Method: 88 patients, aged between 15 to 55 years, ASA I and II undergoing knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia were assigned into two equal groups (n = 44) in a randomized double blind protocol. Patients in Group L received 10 ml of 0.50% levobupivacaine and 1 mcg/kg clonidine and Group R received 10 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine and 1 mcg/kg of clonidine through intra-articular route at the end of the procedure. In the post-operative period, pain intensity was assessed by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) Score recorded at 1 st , 5 th , 8 th , 12 th , 18 th post-operative hours. Duration of analgesia, total rescue analgesic dose in first 18 hours and any side effects were also recorded. Result: Group L experienced significantly longer duration of effective postoperative analgesia and lesser rescue analgesic compared to group R. Group R had higher mean VAS score at 5 th and 12 th post-operative hours (P < 0.05). No side effects were observed among the groups. Conclusion: Intra-articular administration of levobupivacaine and clonidine give better post-operative pain relief by increasing duration of analgesia, and decreasing need of rescue analgesic compared to intra-articular ropivacaine and clonidine

Identification and Further Development of Potent TBK1 Inhibitors

The cytosolic Ser/Thr kinase TBK1 was discovered to be an essential element in the mediation of signals that lead to tumor migration and progression. These findings meet the need for the identification of novel tool compounds and potential therapeutics to gain deeper insights into TBK1 related signaling and its relevance in tumor progression. Herein, we undertake the activity-based screening for unique inhibitors of TBK1 and their subsequent optimization. Initial screening approaches identified a selection of TBK1 inhibitors that were optimized using methods of medicinal chemistry. Variations of the structural characteristics of a representative 2,4,6-substituted pyrimidine scaffold resulted in improved potency. Prospective use as tool compounds or basic contributions to drug design approaches are anticipated for our improved small molecules