Privacy-aware multi-context RFID infrastructure using public key cryptography

We propose a novel RFID infrastructure design, which foresees the usage of a single RFID tag within different contexts and for multiple purposes. We show that an infrastructure for multi-purpose RFID tags to be used in different contexts can be implemented in a privacy-preserving manner. We address security attacks such as impersonation, tracking, and replay. We also introduce spatio-temporal attacks as an important threat against privacy. We propose a methodology to thwart or alleviate these kinds of attacks. We develop our multi-context RFID infrastructure relying on usage of public key cryptography (PKC), which presents more scalable solutions in the sense that the backend servers can identify the tags 75 times faster than best symmetric cipher based systems when there are a million tags in the system. We demonstrate that the requirements for PKC are comparable to those for other cryptographic implementations based on symmetric ciphers proposed for RFID use

Mind the gap! Factors that predict progression to bariatric surgery indicate that more psychological treatment may be required

Summary: In the UK, the number of adults living with obesity is increasing. Bariatric surgery is an available treatment for those living with a BMI (kg/m2) ≥40 and above, or ≥35 with obesity‐related comorbidities. Guidelines highlight the importance of providing psychological support pre‐ and post‐surgery owing to the complex psychopathology present in those living with obesity. There are a lack of studies examining which patients proceed to surgery and the factors that predict progression. Routine patient data were collected within one NHS regional service in the UK, comprising 733 patients between 3 August 2018 and 26 July 2019, aged between 17 and 76 years (M = 43.20, SD = 12.32). The only exclusion criteria were patients still awaiting a final decision for surgical outcome at the point of analysis (N = 29), which resulted in 704 patients included in analysis. Binary Logistic Regression revealed those who were more likely to progress to surgery had a lower‐level use of maladaptive external substances; lower level of self‐harm and/or suicidality, were older in age; had a lower BMI; and had less comorbidities than those who did not progress. Findings support existing literature in that bariatric patients often present with physical and mental health complexity. Two thirds of patients in this study did not progress to surgery. Service commissioning decisions meant that these patients did not have access to psychology treatment. Consequently, in cases where bariatric surgery is considered, a final treatment option and otherwise clinically appropriate, lack of access to specialist services may result in unmet patient need owing particularly to a lack of psychological treatment provision

Sustainable Smart Cities : Applying Complexity Science to Achieve Urban Sustainability

Publisher PD

A combination of trastuzumab and BAG-1 inhibition synergistically targets HER2 positive breast cancer cells

Treatment of HER2+ breast cancer with trastuzumab is effective and combination anti-HER2 therapies have demonstrated benefit over monotherapy in the neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting the BAG-1 protein co-chaperone in trastuzumab-responsive or -resistant cells. In the METABRIC dataset, BAG-1 mRNA was significantly elevated in HER2+ breast tumors and predicted overall survival in a multivariate analysis (HR = 0.81; p = 0.022). In a breast cell line panel, BAG-1 protein was increased in HER2+ cells and was required for optimal growth as shown by siRNA knockdown. Overexpression of BAG-1S in HER2+ SKBR3 cells blocked growth inhibition by trastuzumab, whereas overexpression of a mutant BAG-1S protein (BAG-1S H3AB), defective in binding HSC70, potentiated the effect of trastuzumab. Injection of a Tet-On SKBR3 clone, induced to overexpress myc-BAG-1S into the mammary fat pads of immunocompromised mice, resulted in 2-fold larger tumors compared to uninduced controls. Induction of myc-BAG-1S expression in two Tet-On SKBR3 clones attenuated growth inhibition by trastuzumab in vitro. Targeting endogenous BAG-1 by siRNA enhanced growth inhibition of SKBR3 and BT474 cells by trastuzumab, while BAG-1 protein-protein interaction inhibitor (Thio-S or Thio-2) plus trastuzumab combination treatment synergistically attenuated growth. In BT474 cells this reduced protein synthesis, caused G1/S cell cycle arrest and targeted the ERK and AKT signaling pathways. In a SKBR3 subpopulation with acquired resistance to trastuzumab BAG-1 targeting remained effective and either Thio-2 or BAG-1 siRNA reduced growth more compared to trastuzumab-responsive parental cells. In summary, targeting BAG-1 function in combination with anti-HER2 therapy might prove beneficial

Using Topological Statistics to Detect Determinism in Time Series

Statistical differentiability of the measure along the reconstructed trajectory is a good candidate to quantify determinism in time series. The procedure is based upon a formula that explicitly shows the sensitivity of the measure to stochasticity. Numerical results for partially surrogated time series and series derived from several stochastic models, illustrate the usefulness of the method proposed here. The method is shown to work also for high--dimensional systems and experimental time seriesComment: 23 RevTeX pages, 14 eps figures. To appear in Physical Review

Anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system and potential targets of toxicants

Toxicology of Reproductive and Endocrine SystemThis introductory chapter offers a basic overview of male reproduction, specifically the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system. Comprehension of normal anatomy and physiology is necessary to (1) fully understand the severity of toxicant-induced damage to structures and/or functions of the male reproductive system, (2) design more powerful experiments that analyze potential male reproductive toxicants, and (3) identify numerous potential targets of toxicants in the male reproductive system. This chapter begins with an overview of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and its interaction with additional components of the male reproductive system. This is then followed by detailed presentation of the composition of the testis and the interrelationships of the testicular cells, spermatogenesis, the excurrent ducts that carry spermatozoa out of the testis, the accessory sex glands that supply the seminal plasma of semen, the cellular communication within the testis, the reproductive tract's development, and normal male sexual behavior. The chapter's conclusion emphasizes the foundational importance of the male reproductive system to desgining, conducting, and interpreting reproductive toxicology research

The effectiveness of comprehensive corrective feedback in improving L2 written accuracy.

Theoretical and Experimental Linguistic