Modified Elliptic Curve Discrete Log Problem: A New One-Way Function and its Cryptanalysis

In this paper we explain the concept of the one-way functions and their use in cryptography. We explain in detail the use of one-way function like Integer factorization and it use in RSA algorithm. We describe its cryptanalysis. We explain the discrete log problem and its cryptanalysis. We introduce a novel one-way function called Modified Elliptic Curve discrete log problem (MECDLP). We explain its cryptanalysis also

Band gap tuning of amorphous Al oxides by Zr alloying

The optical band gap and electronic structure of amorphous Al-Zr mixed oxides with Zr content ranging from 4.8 to 21.9% were determined using vacuum ultraviolet and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The light scattering by the nano-porous structure of alumina at low wavelengths was estimated based on the Mie scattering theory. The dependence of the optical band gap of the Al-Zr mixed oxides on the Zr content deviates from linearity and decreases from 7.3 eV for pure anodized Al2O3 to 6.45 eV for Al-Zr mixed oxides with a Zr content of 21.9%. With increasing Zr content, the conduction band minimum changes non-linearly as well. Fitting of the energy band gap values resulted in a bowing parameter of ∼2 eV. The band gap bowing of the mixed oxides is assigned to the presence of the Zr d-electron states localized below the conduction band minimum of anodized Al2O3.</p

Multi-threshold Control of the BMAP/SM/1/K Queue with Group Services

We consider a finite capacity queue in which arrivals occur according to a batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP). The customers are served in groups of varying sizes. The services are governed by a controlled semi-Markovian process according to a multithreshold strategy. We perform the steady-state analysis of this model by computing (a) the queue length distributions at departure and arbitrary epochs, (b) the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of the sojourn time distribution of an admitted customer, and (c) some selected system performance measures. An optimization problem of interest is presented and some numerical examples are illustrated

MicroRNAs in pulmonary arterial remodeling

Pulmonary arterial remodeling is a presently irreversible pathologic hallmark of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This complex disease involves pathogenic dysregulation of all cell types within the small pulmonary arteries contributing to vascular remodeling leading to intimal lesions, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart dysfunction. Mutations within the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 gene, leading to dysregulated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, have been identified as being responsible for heritable PAH. Indeed, the disease is characterized by excessive cellular proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Significant gene dysregulation at the transcriptional and signaling level has been identified. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression and have the ability to target numerous genes, therefore potentially controlling a host of gene regulatory and signaling pathways. The major role of miRNAs in pulmonary arterial remodeling is still relatively unknown although research data is emerging apace. Modulation of miRNAs represents a possible therapeutic target for altering the remodeling phenotype in the pulmonary vasculature. This review will focus on the role of miRNAs in regulating smooth muscle and endothelial cell phenotypes and their influence on pulmonary remodeling in the setting of PAH

Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (US-FNAC) for Palpable Thyroid Tumours

AIM : To study the effect of ultrasound guidance on the performance of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). OBJECTIVES : 1. To determine the adequacy of US-FNAC. 2. To assess the accuracy of US-FNAC by comparing it with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS : US-FNAC was done in 290 patients from December-2013 to December-2014 by the radiologist in the presence of a surgeon and an onsite cytotechnician to assess the adequacy of FNAC. All the samples were reported by a dedicated cytopathologist. Accuracy was calculated by comparing FNAC with histopathology for those who had thyroidectomy. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive probabilities were calculated for US-FNAC. RESULTS : 80.1% of the samples were adequate excluding 17 cystic swellings. 117/290 patients were operated till February-2015. The sensitivity and specificity of US-FNAC in this study is 83.1% and 81.3% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 89.1%, negative predictive value of 72.2% and an accuracy of 82.4% in predicting malignancy. CONCLUSIONS : The use of ultrasound guidance increases the adequacy of FNAC. The accuracy rate in inadequate, benign and AUS categories need to improve in this study and most of them had FVPTC which is known to have heterogenous features on ultrasound and patchy distribution of nuclear features for malignancy on histopathology

United Kingdom Diabetic Retinopathy Electronic Medical Record (UK DR EMR) Users Group: report 4, real-world data on the impact of deprivation on the presentation of diabetic eye disease at hospital services.

AIM: To assess the impact of deprivation on diabetic retinopathy presentation and related treatment interventions, as observed within the UK hospital eye service. METHODS: This is a multicentre, national diabetic retinopathy database study with anonymised data extraction across 22 centres from an electronic medical record system. The following were the inclusion criteria: all patients with diabetes and a recorded, structured diabetic retinopathy grade. The minimum data set included, for baseline, age and Index of Multiple Deprivation, based on residential postcode; and for all time points, visual acuity, ETDRS grading of retinopathy and maculopathy, and interventions (laser, intravitreal therapies and surgery). The main  outcome measures were (1) visual acuity and binocular visual state, and (2) presence of sight-threatening complications and need for early treatment. RESULTS: 79 775 patients met the inclusion criteria. Deprivation was associated with later presentation in patients with diabetic eye disease: the OR of being sight-impaired at entry into the hospital eye service (defined as 6/18 to better than 3/60 in the better seeing eye) was 1.29 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.39) for the most deprived decile vs 0.77 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.86) for the least deprived decile; the OR for being severely sight-impaired (3/60 or worse in the better seeing eye) was 1.17 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.55) for the most deprived decile vs 0.88 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.27) for the least deprived decile (reference=fifth decile in all cases). There is also variation in sight-threatening complications at presentation and treatment undertaken: the least deprived deciles had lower chance of having a tractional retinal detachment (OR=0.48 and 0.58 for deciles 9 and 10, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90 and 0.29 to 1.09, respectively); in terms of accessing treatment, the rate of having a vitrectomy was lowest in the most deprived cohort (OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: This large real-world study suggests that first presentation at a hospital eye clinic with visual loss or sight-threatening diabetic eye disease is associated with deprivation. These initial hospital visits represent the first opportunities to receive treatment and to formally engage with support services. Such patients are more likely to be sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired at presentation, and may need additional resources to engage with the hospital eye services over complex treatment schedules