129 research outputs found
Smartphone Forensic Challenges
Article originally published in Internation Journal of Computer Science and SecurityGlobally, the extensive use of smartphone devices has led to an increase in storage and transmission of enormous volumes of data that could be potentially be used as digital evidence in a forensic investigation. Digital evidence can sometimes be difficult to extract from these devices given the various versions and models of smartphone devices in the market. Forensic analysis of smartphones to extract digital evidence can be carried out in many ways, however, prior knowledge of smartphone forensic tools is paramount to a successful forensic investigation. In this paper, the authors outline challenges, limitations and reliability issues faced when using smartphone device forensic tools and accompanied forensic techniques. The main objective of this paper is intended to be consciousness-raising than suggesting best practices to these forensic work challenges
Synthesis and search for superconductivity in LiBC
Following the recent theoretical prediction of superconductivity in hole
doped LiBC by Rosner et al [1], we have attempted to synthesise Li deficient
LixBC (x = 1, 0.8, 0.6 and 0.4) and look for superconductivity in this system.
Our synthesis procedure, following the recipe for MgB2, involves reaction of
elemental components in a Ta crucible at 900o C under 50 bar of argon pressure.
X-ray diffraction measurements indicate the formation of P63/mmc structure up
to x=0.6. However, no diamagnetic signal or zero resistance, corresponding to
the superconducting transition, was observed in the temperature range of 300 to
4 K. This is possibly related to the presence of disorder in the B-C stacking;
evidence for which is suggested from a study of the vibrational modes of LixBC
through infrared spectroscopy.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures 1 tabl
Regulatory T Cells Suppress T Cell Activation at the Pathologic Site of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis
Suppression of T cell response is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Regulatory T cell (Treg) mediated immune-suppression is reported in animal models of Leishmania infection. However, their precise role among human patients still requires pathologic validation. The present study is aimed at understanding the frequency dynamics and function of Treg cells in the blood and bone marrow (BM) of VL patients. The study included 42 parasitologically confirmed patients, 17 healthy contact and 9 normal bone marrow specimens (NBM). We show i) the selective accumulation of Treg cells at one of the disease inflicted site(s), the BM, ii) their in vitro expansion in response to LD antigen and iii) persistence after successful chemotherapy. Results indicate that the Treg cells isolated from BM produces IL-10 and may inhibit T cell activation in IL-10 dependent manner. Moreover, we observed significantly higher levels of IL-10 among drug unresponsive patients, suggesting their critical role in suppression of immunity among VL patients. Our results suggest that IL-10 plays an important role in suppression of host immunity in human VL and possibly determines the efficacy of chemotherapy
Multiphoton Quantum Optics and Quantum State Engineering
We present a review of theoretical and experimental aspects of multiphoton
quantum optics. Multiphoton processes occur and are important for many aspects
of matter-radiation interactions that include the efficient ionization of atoms
and molecules, and, more generally, atomic transition mechanisms;
system-environment couplings and dissipative quantum dynamics; laser physics,
optical parametric processes, and interferometry. A single review cannot
account for all aspects of such an enormously vast subject. Here we choose to
concentrate our attention on parametric processes in nonlinear media, with
special emphasis on the engineering of nonclassical states of photons and
atoms. We present a detailed analysis of the methods and techniques for the
production of genuinely quantum multiphoton processes in nonlinear media, and
the corresponding models of multiphoton effective interactions. We review
existing proposals for the classification, engineering, and manipulation of
nonclassical states, including Fock states, macroscopic superposition states,
and multiphoton generalized coherent states. We introduce and discuss the
structure of canonical multiphoton quantum optics and the associated one- and
two-mode canonical multiphoton squeezed states. This framework provides a
consistent multiphoton generalization of two-photon quantum optics and a
consistent Hamiltonian description of multiphoton processes associated to
higher-order nonlinearities. Finally, we discuss very recent advances that by
combining linear and nonlinear optical devices allow to realize multiphoton
entangled states of the electromnagnetic field, that are relevant for
applications to efficient quantum computation, quantum teleportation, and
related problems in quantum communication and information.Comment: 198 pages, 36 eps figure
From computational discovery to experimental characterization of a high hole mobility organic crystal
For organic semiconductors to find ubiquitous electronics applications, the development of new materials with high mobility and air stability is critical. Despite the versatility of carbon, exploratory chemical synthesis in the vast chemical space can be hindered by synthetic and characterization difficulties. Here we show that in silico screening of novel derivatives of the dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene semiconductor with high hole mobility and air stability can lead to the discovery of a new high-performance semiconductor. On the basis of estimates from the Marcus theory of charge transfer rates, we identified a novel compound expected to demonstrate a theoretic twofold improvement in mobility over the parent molecule. Synthetic and electrical characterization of the compound is reported with single-crystal field-effect transistors, showing a remarkable saturation and linear mobility of 12.3 and 16 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. This is one of the very few organic semiconductors with mobility greater than 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 reported to date
Graft healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a tendon graft necessitates solid healing of the tendon graft in the bone tunnel. Improvement of graft healing to bone is crucial for facilitating an early and aggressive rehabilitation and ensuring rapid return to pre-injury levels activity. Tendon graft healing in a bone tunnel requires bone ingrowth into the tendon. Indirect Sharpey fiber formation and direct fibrocartilage fixation confer different anchorage strength and interface properties at the tendon-bone interface. For enhancing tendon graft-to-bone healing, we introduce a strategy that includes the use of periosteum, hydrogel supplemented with periosteal progenitor cells and bone morphogenetic protein-2, and a periosteal progenitor cell sheet. Future studies include the use of cytokines, gene therapy, stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and mechanical stress for tendon-to-bone healing. These strategies are currently under investigation, and will be applied in the clinical setting in the near future
Slow clinical improvement after treatment initiation in Leishmania/HIV coinfected patients
Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Latin America—A Systematic Review
Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease characterized by fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and low blood cell counts. In the Americas VL is zoonotic, with domestic dogs as main animal reservoirs, and is caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi). Humans acquire the infection through the bite of an infected sand fly. The disease is potentially lethal if untreated. VL is reported from Mexico to Argentina, with recent trends showing a rapid spread in Brazil. Control measures directed against the canine reservoir and insect vectors have been unsuccessful, and early detection and treatment of human cases remains as the most important strategy to reduce case fatality. Well-designed studies evaluating diagnosis, treatment, and prevention/control interventions are scarce. The available scientific evidence reasonably supports the use of rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of human disease. Properly designed randomized controlled trials following good clinical practices are needed to inform drug policy. Routine control strategies against the canine reservoirs and insect vectors are based on weak and conflicting evidence, and vector control strategies and vaccine development should constitute research priorities
Detection of Specific Polypeptide(s) Synthesized during the Sequential Stages of Differentiation in Dioscorea species
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