A fast multiplier over GF (2^n)

In this paper we will present a hardware implementation of a GF(2n) polynomial basis multiplier that is twice as fast a the classical multiplier while requiring about 50 % more chip area. We implement a flexible scalar (or point) multiplier for elliptic curve cryptosystems using this multiplier and find that the flexible system performs almost twice as fast as compared with the classical multiplier

Freeze-drying of Aegyptianella pullorum

Heparinized whole blood, parasitized with Aegyptianella pullorum, was collected from 2 fowls. Buffered lactose peptone (BLP) was added v/v as a stabilizer and the mixture lyophilized in 2ml aliquots after rapid or slow freezing. At different stages during the freeze-drying process, as well as after lyophilization and reconstitution with I ,8 ml of sterile water, samples were taken and injected into pullets. Infectivity was maintained throughout. However, the prepatent period was lengthened after freezing and particularly after lyophilization when there was some loss of viability.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat XI Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.lmchunu2014mn201

Identification of regulatory variants associated with genetic susceptibility to meningococcal disease

Non-coding genetic variants play an important role in driving susceptibility to complex diseases but their characterization remains challenging. Here, we employed a novel approach to interrogate the genetic risk of such polymorphisms in a more systematic way by targeting specific regulatory regions relevant for the phenotype studied. We applied this method to meningococcal disease susceptibility, using the DNA binding pattern of RELA - a NF-kB subunit, master regulator of the response to infection - under bacterial stimuli in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. We designed a custom panel to cover these RELA binding sites and used it for targeted sequencing in cases and controls. Variant calling and association analysis were performed followed by validation of candidate polymorphisms by genotyping in three independent cohorts. We identified two new polymorphisms, rs4823231 and rs11913168, showing signs of association with meningococcal disease susceptibility. In addition, using our genomic data as well as publicly available resources, we found evidences for these SNPs to have potential regulatory effects on ATXN10 and LIF genes respectively. The variants and related candidate genes are relevant for infectious diseases and may have important contribution for meningococcal disease pathology. Finally, we described a novel genetic association approach that could be applied to other phenotypes

Todas as criaturas do mundo: a arte dos mapas como elemento de orientação geográfica

Vague in the outlines and abounding in figures of real or fabulous creatures, the iconography of medieval maps played a significant role in helping users to recognize lands that were virtually unknown to Christendom. In a world with no reliable latitudes and longitudes, the land contours, inhabitants and even certain elements of fauna and flora could become variables of utmost importance for geographic orientation. Notwithstanding the higher levels of precision achieved in their efforts to represent geographic space, the considerable advancements made in latitude determination, and their continuous pursuit of a practical method for the establishment of longitudes, the cartographers of the Age of Discoveries still went to the trouble of depicting notable elements - whether real or imaginary - to help travelers get their bearings around different regions of the globe. As the presence of Europeans continued to expand and an authentic scientific revolution took place in the 17th century, the lengthy notes and eye¿catching representations of nature and local inhabitants soon lost their utility as points of reference on 17th-century maps to become mere accessories of aesthetic and commercial value. The advent of the 18th century consolidated, once and for all, the transformation of such illustrations into essentially decorative elements with no other relevant role to play in mapmaking. In addition to decreasing in number, the figures became more stylized and moved to the borders of the maps as ornamental motifs. Although they often maintained some sort of relation with the geographic space depicted on the map, the motifs chosen could also constitute a rather independent element. In fact, allegories, compositions with a variety of mythological figures, and historical representations were often used to underscore the power of certain political agents

Plasma lipid profiles discriminate bacterial from viral infection in febrile children

Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection ar

A fast multiplier over GF (2^n)

In this paper we will present a hardware implementation of a GF(2n) polynomial basis multiplier that is twice as fast a the classical multiplier while requiring about 50 % more chip area. We implement a flexible scalar (or point) multiplier for elliptic curve cryptosystems using this multiplier and find that the flexible system performs almost twice as fast as compared with the classical multiplier

Lowering blood homocysteine with folic acid based supplements : Meta-analysis of randomised trials

Objective: To determine the size of reduction in homocysteine concentrations produced by dietary supplementation with folic acid and with vitamins B-12 or B-6. Design: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of folic acid based supplements on blood homocysteine concentration. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the effects on homocysteine concentrations of different doses of folic acid and of the addition of vitamin B-12 or B-6. Subjects: Individual data on 1114 people included in 12 trials. Findings: The proportional and absolute reductions in blood homocysteine produced by folic acid supplements were greater at higher pretreatment blood homocysteine concentrations (P < 0.001) and at lower pretreatment blood folate concentrations (P < 0.001). After standardisation to pretreatment blood concentrations of homocysteine of 12 μmol/l and of folate of 12 nmol/l (approximate average concentrations for Western populations), dietary folic acid reduced blood homocysteine concentrations by 25% (95% confidence interval 23% to 28%; P < 0.001), with similar effects in the range of 0.5-5 mg folic acid daily. Vitamin B-12 (mean 0.5 mg daily) produced an additional 7% (3% to 10%) reduction in blood homocysteine. Vitamin B-6 (mean 16.5 mg daily) did not have a significant additional effect. Conclusions: Typically in Western populations, daily supplementation with both 0.5-5 mg folic acid and about 0.5 mg vitamin B-12 would be expected to reduce blood homocysteine concentrations by about a quarter to a third (for example, from about 12 μmol/l to 8-9 μmol/l). Large scale randomised trials of such regimens in high risk populations are now needed to determine whether lowering blood homocysteine concentrations reduces the risk of vascular disease