On a new formal proof model for RFID location privacy

We discuss a recently proposed formal proof model for RFID location privacy. We show that protocols which intuitively and in several other models are considered not to be location private, are provably location private in this model. Conversely, we also show that protocols which obviously are location private, are not considered location private in this model.Specifically, we prove a protocol in which every tag transmits the same constant message to not be location private in the proposed model. Then we prove a protocol in which a tag's identity is transmitted in clear text to be weakly location private in the model.     

Gene expressions of Collagen type I,ALP and BMP-4 in osteo-inductive BCP implants show similar pattern to that of natural healing bones

Osteo-inductive materials give rise to ectopic bone formation in vivo either in muscles or in subcutaneous tissue. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is totally unclear. To investigate the expression pattern of bone related genes in osteo-inductive materials, we performed quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect the expressions of type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) in biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics implanted in dorsal muscle of dogs. Bone formation in mandibular alveolus defects served as controls showing the expression patterns of these genes in natural healing bones. Histological examinations were performed to show the bone formation in osteo-inductive BCP implants. Data of qPCR indicated that all tested genes had a similar expression pattern with two peaks during the bone formation either in BCP implants or natural healing bones. Type I collagen and ALP were expressed at lower levels with delayed peak in BCP implant than that in natural healing bone. Higher BMP-4 expression level was detected in BCP ceramic implant than in natural healing bone at all the time points. These results demonstrated that expression patterns of bone-related genes in the inductive bone formation are similar to that of natural healing bone formation. As these three genes are important parameters for osteoblast activity in bone formation, our data provide clue to uncover the molecular mechanism of bone formation in osteo-inductive materials.     

Hot Chips Turns 20 [Guest editors' introduction]

The five papers in this special issue are extended versions of papers presented at the Hot Chips conference in August 1008.     

The processing element design for a large-scale spatio-temporal pattern clustering system

The clustering of spatio-temporal patterns are essential for many applications. Established from the biological analogy of the cortex, the parametrically coupled logistic map network (PCLMN) provides a viable solution to the clustering problem. To engineer for a single-chip spatio-temporal pattern clustering system, the highly modular PCLMN is designed in analog circuit. In this paper, the 0.6 μm 5 V CMOS design of the processing element is presented. The analog design employs self-calibration techniques to improve the accuracy and robustness of the nonlinear circuits. A fabricated element covers a die area of 0.55 mm², and consumes 240 mW power at 5 V supply. After calibration, simulation and testing results show that the element fulfills the system-level requirement of the Cort-X model for driving signals up to 1 MHz.     

Tuberculosis reinfection rate as a proportion of total infection rate correlates with the logarithm of the incidence rate: a mathematical model

In a significant number of instances, an episode of tuberculosis can be attributed to a reinfection event. Because reinfection is more likely in high incidence regions than in regions of low incidence, more tuberculosis (TB) cases due to reinfection could be expected in high-incidence regions than in low-incidence regions. Empirical data from regions with various incidence rates appear to confirm the conjecture that, in fact, the incidence rate due to reinfection only, as a proportion of all cases, correlates with the logarithm of the incidence rate, rather than with the incidence rate itself. A theoretical model that supports this conjecture is presented. A Markov model was used to obtain a relationship between incidence and reinfection rates. It was assumed in this model that the rate of reinfection is a multiple, ρ (the reinfection factor), of the rate of first-time infection, λ. The results obtained show a relationship between the proportion of cases due to reinfection and the rate of incidence that is approximately logarithmic for a range of values of the incidence rate typical of those observed in communities across the globe. A value of ρ is determined such that the relationship between the proportion of cases due to reinfection and the logarithm of the incidence rate closely correlates with empirical data. From a purely theoretical investigation, it is shown that a simple relationship can be expected between the logarithm of the incidence rates and the proportions of cases due to reinfection after a prior episode of TB. This relationship is sustained by a rate of reinfection that is higher than the rate of first-time infection and this latter consideration underscores the great importance of monitoring recovered TB cases for repeat disease episodes, especially in regions where TB incidence is high. Awareness of this may assist in attempts to control the epidemic.     

Condensed phase decomposition and gas phase combustion of hydrazinium nitroformate

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments on the condensed phase decomposition and the gas phase combustion of hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF). The experiments include SEM analysis of quenched samples that showed evidence of the formation of a foam layer. FTIR spectrometry and mass spectrometry provide details on species formation during decomposition and combustion. The analysis of the results led to the identification of probable overall reactions in the low pressure regime around 0.1 MPa. It is found that decomposition of HNF takes place through formation of ammonium nitroformate, and through dissociative vaporisation. The gas phase near the surface of burning HNF is expected to contain a large amount of hydrazine, ammonia and nitrogen dioxide (as a decomposition product of nitroform). The primary reaction zone of the HNF flame is then associated with the exothermic reactions of these species. The resulting nitrogen oxide is subsequently reduced to molecular nitrogen in the secondary flame.     

Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil washing residues with amino polycarboxylic acids

Removal of Cu, Pb, and Zn by the action of the two biodegradable chelating agents [S,S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), as well as citric acid, was tested. Three soil samples, which had previously been treated by conventional soil washing (water), were utilized in the leaching tests. Experiments were performed in batches (0.3 kg-scale) and with a WTC-mixer system (Water Treatment Construction, 10 kg-scale). EDDS and MGDA were most often equally efficient in removing Cu, Pb, and Zn after 10–60 min. Nonetheless, after 10 d, there were occasionally significant differences in extraction efficiencies. Extraction with citric acid was generally less efficient, however equal for Zn (mainly) after 10 d. Metal removal was similar in batch and WTC-mixer systems, which indicates that a dynamic mixer system could be used in full-scale. Use of biodegradable amino polycarboxylic acids for metal removal, as a second step after soil washing, would release most remaining metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) from the present soils, however only after long leaching time. Thus, a full-scale procedure, based on enhanced metal leaching by amino polycarboxylic acids from soil of the present kind, would require a pre-leaching step lasting several days in order to be efficient.     

Managing a hydro-energy reservoir: A policy approach

Liberalisation and privatisation have increased the need to gain more understanding into the management of hydro storage (HS) plants. We analyse what types of reservoir management policies enable an owner or a public authority to achieve their respective objectives. By “policy” we understand simple, easily applicable decision rules, which enable a decision maker to decide when and how much to produce based on currently available information. We use a stylised deterministic simulation model of a hydro-power producer (HP) who behaves strategically. We study a non-liberalised market, where the authorities aim to minimise the total electricity cost for customers and a liberalised market where the HP attempts to maximise his contribution. This enables us to evaluate the impact of the liberalisation of HS production decisions on production volumes and electricity prices. We conclude that imposing rigid policies with the aim of limiting the potential for strategic behaviour can create incentives to produce only at very high prices throughout the year. This can lead to very high total costs, especially when the producer has most flexibility (large reservoirs combined with large turbine capacity). More surprisingly, we observe lower total production in a non-liberalised market.