Enhancement of Secrecy of Block Ciphered Systems by Deliberate Noise

This paper considers the problem of end-end security enhancement by resorting to deliberate noise injected in ciphertexts. The main goal is to generate a degraded wiretap channel in application layer over which Wyner-type secrecy encoding is invoked to deliver additional secure information. More specifically, we study secrecy enhancement of DES block cipher working in cipher feedback model (CFB) when adjustable and intentional noise is introduced into encrypted data in application layer. A verification strategy in exhaustive search step of linear attack is designed to allow Eve to mount a successful attack in the noisy environment. Thus, a controllable wiretap channel is created over multiple frames by taking advantage of errors in Eve's cryptanalysis, whose secrecy capacity is found for the case of known channel states at receivers. As a result, additional secure information can be delivered by performing Wyner type secrecy encoding over super-frames ahead of encryption, namely, our proposed secrecy encoding-then-encryption scheme. These secrecy bits could be taken as symmetric keys for upcoming frames. Numerical results indicate that a sufficiently large secrecy rate can be achieved by selective noise addition.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, journa

Single particle detection of protein molecules using dark-field microscopy to avoid signals from nonspecific adsorption

A massively parallel single particle sensing method based on core-satellite formation of Au nanoparticles was introduced for the detection of interleukin 6 (IL-6). This method exploits the fact that the localized plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the plasmonic nanoparticles will change as a result of core-satellite formation, resulting in a change in the observed color. In this method, the hue (color) value of thousands of 67 nm Au nanoparticles immobilized on a glass coverslip surface is analyzed by a Matlab code before and after the addition of reporter nanoparticles containing IL-6 as target protein. The average hue shift as the result of core-satellite formation is used as the basis to detect small amount of proteins. This method enjoys two major advantages. First it is able to analyze the hue values of thousands of nanoparticles in parallel in less than a minute. Secondly the method is able to circumvent the effect of non-specific adsorption, a major issue in the field of biosensing

ESDA2004-58427 MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF AN ULTRA LIGHT SLOW FLYER WITH VARIABLE SHAPE CONTROL SURFACES USING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATORS

ABSTRACT Applying flexible variable shape control surfaces (wing and elevator) structures is a way to increase efficiency and maneuverability of the planes, which is recently under research. In this paper, modeling of the flight of an unmanned ultra light plane is discussed. The modeling is done based on a real ultra light plane presented recently. To increase maneuverability of the plane, flexible variable shape structures are designed for the wing and the elevator. In design procedure, having an ultra light plane is considered. The elevator and the wing are used as control surfaces for longitudinal and lateral maneuvers respectively. Shape memory alloys (SMA) are used for reshaping the flexible structures of the wing and the elevator. Because of its high power and low weight and nearly unlimited resolution, SMA is best suited as the actuator of the reshaping wing and elevator structures. In flight dynamic modeling of an ultra light plane with variable shape wing, aerodynamic coefficients are needed. Coefficients are computed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). To determine the reshaped structures, finite element models of structures are constructed in ANSY

A 20-year multicenter analysis of dialysis-dependent patients who had aortic or mitral valve replacement: Implications for valve selection

Objective Valve selection in dialysis-dependent patients can be difficult because long-term survival is diminished and bleeding risks during anticoagulation treatment are greater in patients with renal failure. In this study we analyzed long-term outcomes of dialysis-dependent patients who underwent valve replacement to help guide optimal prosthetic valve type selection. Methods Dialysis-dependent patients who underwent aortic and/or mitral valve replacement at 3 institutions over 20 years were examined. The primary outcome was long-term survival. A Cox regression model was used to estimate survival according to 5 ages, presence of diabetes, and/or heart failure symptoms. Results Four hundred twenty-three available patients were analyzed; 341 patients had biological and 82 had mechanical valves. Overall complication and 30-day mortality rates were similar between the groups. Thirty-day readmission rates for biological and mechanical groups were 15% (50/341) and 28% (23/82; P = .005). Five-year survival was 23% and 33% for the biological and mechanical groups, respectively. After adjusting for age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and diabetes using a multivariable Cox regression model, survival was similar between groups (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.29; P = .8). A Cox regression model on the basis of age, diabetes, and heart failure, estimated that patients only 30 or 40 years old, with NYHA class I-II failure without diabetes had a >50% estimated 5-year survival (P < .001). Conclusions Dialysis-dependent patients who underwent valve replacement surgery had poor long-term survival. Young patients without diabetes or NYHA III or IV symptoms might survive long enough to justify placement of a mechanical valve; however, a biological valve is suitable for most patients

Investigation of breeding and culture in Iranian cichlid (Iranocichla hormuzensis) as endemic and ornamental species

Iranian Cichlid is an invaluable ornamental species which is domesticated in Iran and called Iranocichla hormuzensis scientifically, is living in the Hormoz zone, Shahou River (between Bandar Abbas and Haji Abad). The first phase of the research project started in September of 2012 and lasted about 18 months, focused on adapting the wild cichlids to cope with the aquarium environment. Therefore, about 63 male and female of Iranian cichlids collected from the natural habitat, Shahou River, then moved to the nearest city, Bandar Abbas to and released in aquariums which were filled by water of River where they were living. After few days they moved to “innovative aquaculture technologies research station” and reared in 100 liter glass tanks to monitor their behaviors. By initial days, the Cichlids seemed to be stressed out significantly, they were flashing, hitting them to the aquarium, trying to jump out and get discolored due to strange environment. By days, the stressful treats decreased and the experiments coped with the new environment. At the next step, schools of 5-7 fish organized to pear up. The mortality rate collected daily and accidental biometry recorded fortnightly. The rearing temperature adjusted and was stable at 37˚C. Finally, the Cichlids were completely adopted and prepared for mating and breeding

Skin color-specific and spectrally-selective naked-eye dosimetry of UVA, B and C radiations

Spectrally–selective monitoring of ultraviolet radiations (UVR) is of paramount importance across diverse fields, including effective monitoring of excessive solar exposure. Current UV sensors cannot differentiate between UVA, B, and C, each of which has a remarkably different impact on human health. Here we show spectrally selective colorimetric monitoring of UVR by developing a photoelectrochromic ink that consists of a multi-redox polyoxometalate and an e− donor. We combine this ink with simple components such as filter paper and transparency sheets to fabricate low-cost sensors that provide naked-eye monitoring of UVR, even at low doses typically encountered during solar exposure. Importantly, the diverse UV tolerance of different skin colors demands personalized sensors. In this spirit, we demonstrate the customized design of robust real-time solar UV dosimeters to meet the specific need of different skin phototypes. These spectrally–selective UV sensors offer remarkable potential in managing the impact of UVR in our day-to-day life

Immunological mechanism of action and clinical profile of disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-long, potentially debilitating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS is considered to be an immune-mediated disease, and the presence of autoreactive peripheral lymphocytes in CNS compartments is believed to be critical in the process of demyelination and tissue damage in MS. Although MS is not currently a curable disease, several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are now available, or are in development. These DMTs are all thought to primarily suppress autoimmune activity within the CNS. Each therapy has its own mechanism of action (MoA) and, as a consequence, each has a different efficacy and safety profile. Neurologists can now select therapies on a more individual, patient-tailored basis, with the aim of maximizing potential for long-term efficacy without interruptions in treatment. The MoA and clinical profile of MS therapies are important considerations when making that choice or when switching therapies due to suboptimal disease response. This article therefore reviews the known and putative immunological MoAs alongside a summary of the clinical profile of therapies approved for relapsing forms of MS, and those in late-stage development, based on published data from pivotal randomized, controlled trials

Efficacy of Fumaric Acid Esters in the R6/2 and YAC128 Models of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominantly inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease. The exact sequel of events finally resulting in neurodegeneration is only partially understood and there is no established protective treatment so far. Some lines of evidence speak for the contribution of oxidative stress to neuronal tissue damage. The fumaric acid ester dimethylfumarate (DMF) is a new disease modifying therapy currently in phase III studies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. DMF potentially exerts neuroprotective effects via induction of the transcription factor “nuclear factor E2-related factor 2” (Nrf2) and detoxification pathways. Thus, we investigated here the therapeutic efficacy of DMF in R6/2 and YAC128 HD transgenic mice which mimic many aspects of HD and are characterized by an enhanced generation of free radicals in neurons. Treatment with DMF significantly prevented weight loss in R6/2 mice between postnatal days 80–90. At the same time, DMF treatment led to an attenuated motor impairment as measured by the clasping score. Average survival in the DMF group was 100.5 days vs. 94.0 days in the placebo group. In the histological analysis on day 80, DMF treatment resulted in a significant preservation of morphologically intact neurons in the striatum as well as in the motor cortex. DMF treatment resulted in an increased Nrf2 immunoreactivity in neuronal subpopulations, but not in astrocytes. These beneficial effects were corroborated in YAC128 mice which, after one year of DMF treatment, also displayed reduced dyskinesia as well as a preservation of neurons. In conclusion, DMF may exert beneficial effects in mouse models of HD. Given its excellent side effect profile, further studies with DMF as new therapeutic approach in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases are warranted

Dimethyl fumarate blocks pro-inflammatory cytokine production via inhibition of TLR induced M1 and K63 ubiquitin chain formation

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is approved for the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. While clinically effective, its molecular target has remained elusive - although it is known to activate anti-oxidant pathways. We find that DMF inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to TLR agonists independently of the Nrf2-Keap1 anti-oxidant pathway. Instead we show that DMF can inhibit the E2 conjugating enzymes involved in K63 and M1 polyubiquitin chain formation both in vitro and in cells. The formation of K63 and M1 chains is required to link TLR activation to downstream signaling, and consistent with the block in K63 and/or M1 chain formation, DMF inhibits NFκB and ERK1/2 activation, resulting in a loss of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Together these results reveal a new molecular target for DMF and show that a clinically approved drug inhibits M1 and K63 chain formation in TLR induced signaling complexes. Selective targeting of E2s may therefore be a viable strategy for autoimmunity