Formal Verification of Safety Properties for Ownership Authentication Transfer Protocol

In ubiquitous computing devices, users tend to store some valuable information in their device. Even though the device can be borrowed by the other user temporarily, it is not safe for any user to borrow or lend the device as it may cause private data of the user to be public. To safeguard the user data and also to preserve user privacy we propose and model the technique of ownership authentication transfer. The user who is willing to sell the device has to transfer the ownership of the device under sale. Once the device is sold and the ownership has been transferred, the old owner will not be able to use that device at any cost. Either of the users will not be able to use the device if the process of ownership has not been carried out properly. This also takes care of the scenario when the device has been stolen or lost, avoiding the impersonation attack. The aim of this paper is to model basic process of proposed ownership authentication transfer protocol and check its safety properties by representing it using CSP and model checking approach. For model checking we have used a symbolic model checker tool called NuSMV. The safety properties of ownership transfer protocol has been modeled in terms of CTL specification and it is observed that the system satisfies all the protocol constraint and is safe to be deployed.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures,Submitted to ADCOM 201

Induction of Lipoxygenase in downy mildew resistant seedlings of pearl millet in response to inoculation with Sclerospora graminicola

Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was studied in seedlings of pearl millet genotypes resistant and susceptible to downy mildew pathogen Sclerospora graminicola. An increase in LOX activity was observed during the incompatible host-pathogen interaction whereas the activity decreased in compatible ones. Resistant pearl millet seedlings exhibited a 2.4-fold increase in LOX activity after inoculation with the pathogen. The enzyme activity was maximum at 18 h after inoculation. The enzyme activity was maximum in shoot portion of resistant genotype after inoculation. The enzyme activity correlated well with the degree of host-resistance to the pathogen. Substrate-based gel assay revealed five isozymes (LOX-1, LOX-2, LOX-3, LOX-4 & LOX-5) in both susceptible and resistant genotype. An additional isozyme (LOX-6) was unique to only resistant genotype after inoculation

Using CO line ratios to trace the physical properties of molecular clouds

The carbon monoxide (CO) rotational transition lines are the most common tracers of molecular gas within giant molecular clouds (MCs). We study the ratio ($R_{2-1/1-0}$) between CO's first two emission lines and examine what information it provides about the physical properties of the cloud. To study $R_{2-1/1-0}$ we perform smooth particle hydrodynamic simulations with time dependent chemistry (using GADGET-2), along with post-process radiative transfer calculations on an adaptive grid (using RADMC-3D) to create synthetic emission maps of a MC. $R_{2-1/1-0}$ has a bimodal distribution that is a consequence of the excitation properties of each line, given that $J=1$ reaches local thermal equilibrium (LTE) while $J=2$ is still sub-thermally excited in the considered clouds. The bimodality of $R_{2-1/1-0}$ serves as a tracer of the physical properties of different regions of the cloud and it helps constrain local temperatures, densities and opacities. Additionally this bimodal structure shows an important portion of the CO emission comes from diffuse regions of the cloud, suggesting that the commonly used conversion factor of $R_{2-1/1-0}\sim 0.7$ between both lines may need to be studied further.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, accepted to MNRA

A cost-effective cell- and matrix-based minimally invasive single-stage chondroregenerative technique developed with validated vertical translation methodology.

Introduction: The morbidity and significant health economic impact associated with the chondral lesion has led to a large number of strategies for therapeutic neochondrogenesis. The challenge has been to develop techniques that are cost effective single-stage procedures with minimal surgical trauma that have undergone rigorous preclinical scrutiny and robust reproducible assessment of effectiveness. A biological repair requires the generation of a cellular and matrix composite with appropriate signalling for chondrogenic differentiation. Methods and Results: A technique was developed that allowed chondrogenic primary (uncultured) cells from bone marrow aspirate concentrate, combined with a composite hydrophilic and fibrillar matrix to be applied arthroscopically to a site of a chondral lesion. The construct was tested in vitro and in animal experiments before clinical trials. Clinical trials involved 60 patients in a prospective study. Symptomatic International Cartilage Repair Society grade 3 and 4a lesions were mapped and treated. Pre- and postoperative clinical assessments showed statistically significant improved outcomes; Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (mean 52.8 to > 76.4; P 79 P 89.2 P < 0.05). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated morphologically (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue, average MOCART score 72) and qualitatively; the regenerate was comparable to native cartilage. Conclusions: This technique is effective, affordable, requires no complex tools and delivers a single-stage treatment that is potentially accessible to any centre capable of performing arthroscopic surgery. Good clinical results were found to be sustained at five years of follow-up with a regenerate that appears hyaline like using multiple magnetic resonance measures

First report of the occurrence of Myrothecium verrucaria in watermelon seeds from India

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is known to be affected by a variety of both seed-borne and soil-borne fungi. In routine screening of watermelon seed samples, sporodochia of Myrothecium verrucaria were observed. The fungus was isolated and the spore suspension was inoculated onto healthy seedlings of watermelon. The resulting symptoms confirmed Koch's postulates

Functional outcome of intertrochanteric fractures treated with trochanteric stabilizing plates

Background: Intertrochanteric fractures account for significant percentage of health care costs and result in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Since higher rate of mortality and complications most fractures can be successfully treated with trochanteric stabilizing plates. This study was conducted to assess functional outcome in intertrochanteric fracture femur treated with trochanteric stabilizing plates and define ideal mode of fixation for such fractures. Trochanter stabilizing plate (TSP) is modular extension of dynamic hip screw (DHS) that is mounted on lateral femoral wall to stabilize greater trochanter. It provides the flexibility to achieve plate to bone apposition as well as axial compression or angular stability because of three screw fixations at the proximal fragment. TSF can provide a stress shield for the lateral trochanteric wall and prevent lateral migration of proximal fragments. Thus, TSF does not fail at the screw bone interface and provide a strong anchor in osteoporotic bone. The multiple locking screw holes of the TSF provide various options to tackle complex fracture pattern. It functions as an internalized external fixator and minimizes the pressure on the periosteum and encourages biological healing. Methods: A total of 30 subjects of intertrochanteric fractures undergoing treatment with trochanteric stabilizing plates were taken up for the study after informed consent. Results:  Significant results were obtained using Harris hip score (HHS) at different postoperative follow up time intervals with good outcome and low complication rate. Conclusions: Trochanteric buttress plate creates biomechanically stable construct by incorporating the comminuted trochanter it restores the proximal femoral anatomy, ensuring anatomical reduction hence subsequently reduces limb length discrepancy. We thus conclude this is an effective technique and has excellent functional and radiological outcomes with minimal complication and early rehabilitation rates. As Intertrochanteric fractures of the hip is a very common condition affecting a large number of patients of variable demographics and racial background, a more widespread study is required for a more conclusive study

Fruit/Seed Morphology, Seed Drying and Germination Studies in Baccaurea courtallensis (Muell.) Arg., a Threatened Under-Utilized Fruit Species of Western Ghats in India

A study was under taken on fruit and seed morphology, seed drying, seed germination and storage behavior in&nbsp;Baccaurea courtallensis, as, this plant is propagated mainly through seeds. Its fruit is a berry consisting of an outer, semi-hard but fleshy rind 2-3 mm thick. The cavity inside the rind is normally occupied by a single, arillate seed, but, two seeds are also seen occasionally. Fresh rind was found to be rich in antioxidants, with 237mg total phenols and 93mg flavonoids per 100 gram fresh weight, but was poor in Vitamin C. A thick, fleshy endosperm is surrounded by the inner seed-coat. The endosperm surrounds the embryo consisting of two papery-thin cotyledons and a minute embryonic axis. Germination was highest (96.7%) when seeds were sown immediately after extraction, with moisture content of about 50%. Reduction in moisture to below 34% showed a drastic decrease in germination. Dried seeds took longer to germinate than did the fresh ones. Seeds with 21% moisture recorded about 60% germination whereas, seeds with 10.2% or 8% moisture failed to germinate, indicating a recalcitrant seed. Temperature in the range of 25-30°C was found to be optimum. Of the two media tested for raising the seedlings, cocopeat medium was superior as, it induced faster growth of the seedlings. Seedling root and shoot were considerably longer, with higher seedling survival rate in cocopeat than in the soil-mix medium. Seedling establishment was poor when planted out of their natural habitat

An approach to obtain specific polyclonal antisera to Xanthomonas campestris pv. cyamopsidis and its potential application in indexing of infected seeds of guar

Clusterbean seed health testing is warranted since the pathogen (Xanthomonas campestris pv. cyamopsidis (Xccy)) is seed-borne and seed-transmitted. A polyclonal antibody was developed in rabbit via subcutaneous and intramuscular injections and characterized for sensitivity, specificity and its applicability to ELISA which: (i) was sensitive in detecting as few as 102 cells ml−1 at a titre of 1:4000; (ii) was specific, since it reacted only with Xccy and not with other xanthomonads; (iii) reacted both with Xccy cells and culture filtrate, indicating that the antigenic determinant is a secretory component; (iv) was applicable and reliable in seed health testing since it reacted only with infected seeds and plant materials and not with healthy seeds and (v) a purified fraction of antibody was virulent-specific since heat-denatured and avirulent isolates were not detected. The ELISA thus developed is highly reproducible and therefore suitable for the evaluation of the potential disease status of seeds and plant health, which is appropriate for routine seed health testing

Biochemical characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense isolates from India

The Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxyspoum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a major biotic constraint for banana production. The characteristics of F. oxyspoum f. sp. cubense isolates were investigated using electrophoretic studies of isozyme and whole-cell protein. The morphological characteristics of the isolates were very similar to each other. All the Foc isolates were pathogenic to banana cultivar 'Nanjangud Rasabale' but they did not induce any disease symptoms on cultivar 'Cavendish'. F. oxyspoum (Isolate 6) did not induce wilt symptoms on either 'Nanjangud' or 'Cavendish' cultivar. Isozyme banding patterns showed 46 scoreable markers and cluster analysis with UPGMA using genetic distance showed that the isolates belonged to three main groups. Group 1 contained isolates 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and isolate 3 and 6 were placed in group 2 and 3. Results indicated that the estimated intra-specific variation may be more pronounced with isozyme analysis than with protein markers. The level of isozyme variability detected within F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense suggested that it is reliable, efficient and effective in determining genetic relationships among Foc isolates

Screening for plant growth promoting fungi and their ability for growth promotion and induction of resistance in pearl millet against downy mildew disease

A total of forty nine plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) were successfully isolated from the rhizosphere of various grass species in Karnataka State, India. All the PGPF isolates were tested for their ability to enhance pearl millet seed quality parameters and to induce resistance against downy mildew disease in pearl millet. Susceptible pearl millet seeds 7042S were treated with PGPFs conidial suspension (1 x 108 cfu ml-1) and barley grain inocula (BGI) at 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations. Only six isolates among the forty nine tested recorded significant (P &lt; 0.001) enhancement of seed germination and vigor when compared with the untreated control. Of the PGPF, Penicillium sp. (UOM PGPF 27) at 5% (w/w) concentration recorded highest seed germination of 92% and 1701.9 seedling vigor. The in planta colonization of the six PGPF isolates determined successfully in re-isolating the fungus from the basal root segments of 6 cm and 4 cm plated on PDA plates and also from the rhizosphere serial dilution of 10 3 to 10 5. Among the PGPFs tested in two modes, in BGI treatments, Penicillium sp. (UOM PGPF 27) at 5% (w/w) and Pythium sp. (UOM PGPF 41) at 10% (w/w) showed maximum disease protection of 67% and 61% respectively against downy mildew disease of pearl millet In case of conidial suspension treatments Penicillium sp. (UOM PGPF 27) and Trichoderma sp. (UOM PGPF 37) recorded highest disease protection of 71% and 66%, respectively under greenhouse conditions. Thus, the present study suggests that the tested PGPF, both as BGI inocula and conidial suspensions, can be used for pearl millet downy mildew disease management and also for plant growth.&nbsp;&nbsp