Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Document formatted into pages; contains xvi, 162 p.; also includes grpahics (some col.). Includes bibliographical references. Abstract available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center; full text release delayed at author's request until 2006 May 4.

Zugl.: Innsbruck, Universiẗat, Dipl.-Arb., 2006.

Website Fingerprinting (WF) attacks have become an area of concern for advocates of web Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET)s as they may allow a passive, local, eaves- dropper to eventually identify the accessed web page, endangering the protection offered by those PETs. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of those attacks through a number of experiments. However, some researchers in academia and Tor community demonstrated that the assumptions of WF attacks studies greatly simplify the problem and don’t reflect the evaluation of this vulnerability in practical scenarios. That leads to suspicion in the Tor community and among Tor Browser users about the efficacy of those attacks in real-world scenarios. In this thesis, we survey the literature of WF showing the research assumptions that have been made in the WF attacks against Tor. We then assess their practicality in real-world settings by evaluating their compliance to Tor Browser threat model, design requirements and to the Tor Project recommendations. Interestingly, we found one of the research assumptions related to the active content configuration in Tor Browser to be a reasonable assumption in all settings. Disabling or enabling the active content are both reasonable given the fact that the enabled configuration is the default of the Tor Browser, and the disabled one is the configuration recommended by Tor Project for users who require the highest possible security and anonymity. However, given the current published WF attacks, disabling the active con- tent is advantageous for the attacker as it makes the classification task easier by reducing the level of a web page randomness. To evaluate Tor Browser security in our proposed more realistic threat model, we collect a sample of censored dynamic web pages with Tor Browser in the default setting, which enables active content such as Javascript, and in the recommended setting by the Tor Project which disables the active content. We use Panchenko Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to study the identifiability of this sample of web pages. For pages that are very dynamic, we achieve a recognition rate of 42% when JavaScript is disabled, compared to 35% when turned on. Our results show that the recommended ”more secure” setting for Tor Browser is actually more vulnerable to WF attacks than the default and non-recommended setting.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the degree of Master of Science, Occupational Therapy / Many patients have been supplied with dorsal dynamic finger extension splints for improvement of the range of motion of stiff finger joints, The design of the splint has been developed and improved over time, but the amount of force which was applied to a finger was determined intuitively. This research was undertaken to quantify the force exerted on a finger and to desigm a splint which would ensure that the amount of force exerted on a finger was constant and reliable. Since six studies were undertaken as part of the research, different protocols were developed for each. The findings of the studies can be summarised as follows: * similar tensions in a variety of rubber bands can not consistently be identified; rubber bands which are more or less equal in length, thickness and width do not undergo the same amount of elongation when identical weights are attached to them; friction between the outrigger and the traction unit plays a major role in determining how much force is exerted on a finger; a layer of Teflon paint over the outrigger coupled with a nylon fishing line traction unit causes the least amount of friction; stainless steel tension springs provide a more reliable and consistent force than rubber bands. Finally a splint was designed, taking into account the results of the six studies. The splint consists of a thermoplastic base with Velcro attachment straps, a pre-notched copper coated welding rod dipped in Teflon paint at least 14 days before use, a traction unit made from a stainless steel tension spring with a tension of 3g/rnm, a piece of nylon fishing line and a finger sling. Although the splint was designed to ensure that the force exerted on a finger is consistent and quantifiable, it should still be tested clinically to ascertain whether the design is really practical. / Andrew Chakane 2019

Hintergrund: Aufgrund der guten klinischen Ergebnisse, der geringen Komplikationen sowie der einfachen Handhabung und der geringen Kosten erfolgt vielerorts die Behandlung von Fingerkuppendefektverletzungen (FKDV), die mit 39% die häufigsten Verletzungen an der Hand sind, mittels eines semiokklusiven Folienverbandes (SOFV). Seit der Erstbeschreibung durch Mennen und Wiese 1993 wurden die Indikationen für einen Folienverband (FV) immer weiter gestellt, sodass heute auch FKDV vom Typ Allen IV, also Amputationsverletzungen des Endgliedes im Bereich der und proximal der Lunula mit FV behandelt werden. Ziel: Dass es auch bei FKDV Typ Allen IV zu einer Regeneration der Fingerkuppe unter einem SOFV kommt, ist bekannt, jedoch nicht, ob und gegebenenfalls wie sich die Ergebnisse von FKDV Typ Allen III und IV von denen vom Typ Allen I und II unterscheiden. Auch ist nicht bekannt, ob unter dem FV einliegendes Fremdmaterial (FM), wie Nahtmaterial, Kunstnägel und K-Drähte, zu einer erhöhten Komplikations-, insbesondere Infektionsrate führt, und ob ein FV wirklich zur Behandlung einer FKDV nach Nekrosenabtragung geeignet ist. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es diese Wissenslücken zu schließen. Patienten und Methoden: 50 volljährige Patienten, bei denen im Zeitraum von Januar 2010 bis Juli 2019 an der KfH Bad Neustadt 44 FKDV oder 13 Fingerkuppennekrosen (FKN) mit einem SOFV behandelt wurden, konnten in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. 9mal lag eine FKDV Typ Allen I vor, 10mal Typ Allen II, 18mal Typ Allen III und 7mal Typ Allen IV. Bei 22 der 50 Patienten lag unter dem FV FM ein. Im Rahmen der Nachuntersuchung, die frühestens 2 Jahre nach der Behandlung erfolgte, wurden mittels eines Fragebogens die Kälteempfindlichkeit, Schmerzen in Ruhe und bei Belastung, der Einsatz des verletzten Fingers im Alltag sowie die Zufriedenheit der Patienten mit dem ästhetischen Ergebnis erfasst. Zur Bestimmung der Sensibilität wurde die statische und dynamische 2-Punkt-Diskriminierung (2-PD) sowie die Spitz-Stumpf-Diskriminierung (SSD) gemessen. Die Schweißsekretion wurde mittels des Ninhydrin-Tests getestet und die Papillarleisten mittels Fingerabdrücken mit Tinte sichtbar gemacht. Die Beweglichkeit der Finger- und Daumenendgelenke wurde mittels eines Goniometers für kleine Gelenke gemessen. Alle Daten wurden im Seitenvergleich erhoben. Die Fingernägel wurden auf Wachstumsstörungen kontrolliert. Die Ergebnisse der FKDV Typ Allen I – IV sowie der FKN wurden statistisch mit einander verglichen und wo möglich in Relation zu den Befunden der unverletzten Finger der Gegenseite gesetzt. Ergebnisse: Die klinischen Ergebnisse der FKDV Typ Allen III und IV unterschieden sich nicht statistisch signifikant bezüglich statischer und dynamische 2-PD, SSD, Schweißsekretion, Schmerzen, Kälteempfindlichkeit, Einsatz des betroffenen Fingers und Zufriedenheit mit dem ästhetischen Ergebnis von denen vom Typ Allen I und II. Allerdings war die mittlere statische und dynamische 2-PD der unverletzten Finger der Gegenseite signifikant besser als die der verletzten Finger. Patienten mit einer FKDV Typ Allen III beurteilten das ästhetische Ergebnis zwar nicht statistisch signifikant, aber doch deutlich schlechter als Patienten mit FKDV der Typen I, II und IV. 3/10 FKDV Typ Allen II, 9/18 FKDV Typ Allen III und 6/7 FKDV Typ Allen IV wiesen Nagelwachstumsstörung (NWS) auf. Bei Allen IV FKDV fand sich eine, wenn auch statisch nicht signifikante schlechtere Beweglichkeit des Fingerendgelenkes. Die Beweglichkeit im Endgelenk der verletzten Finger war signifikant schlechter als die Beweglichkeit der korrespondierenden Finger der unverletzten Gegenseite. Unter einem SOFV kam es nach Abtragung von Fingerkuppennekrosen zur Regeneration der Fingerkuppe. Infekte wurden dabei nicht beobachtet. Bzgl. der Schmerzen in Ruhe und bei Belastung, der Kälteempfindlichkeit sowie der 2-PD ließ sich kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Patienten mit FKN und FKDV feststellen. Allerdings waren die Patienten mit dem ästhetischen Ergebnis weniger zufrieden als Patienten mit einer FKDV. Unter dem FV einliegendes FM hatte keinen Einfluss auf die Heilung von FKDV, insbesondere traten keine Infektionen auf. Schlussfolgerung: SOFV sind mit gleichwertigen Ergebnissen wie bei der Behandlung von FKDV der Typen Allen I und II auch zur Behandlung von FKDV der Typen Allen III und IV sowie von FKN geeignet, allerdings sollten die Patienten insbesondere über die hohe Rate an NWS und Beeinträchtigungen des ästhetischen Erscheinungsbildes sowie eine mögliche Bewegungseinschränkung des Fingerendgelenkes aufgeklärt werden. Operative Maßnahmen, durch die FM unter einen FV zu liegen kommt, beeinträchtigen nicht die Heilung von FKDV und können deshalb das Indikationsspektrum für SOFV erweitern. / Background: Due to good clinical outcomes, low complication rates, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, fingertip injuries—which account for 39% of all hand injuries - are often treated using a semi-occlusive film dressing (SOFD). The application of SOFD has continuously expanded since its introduction by Mennen and Wiese in 1993, including for the treatment of fingertip injuries of Allen type IV, corresponding to amputation injuries of the distal phalanx in the area of and proximal to the lunula. Objective: While it is known that fingertip regeneration can occur under SOFD even in Allen Type IV injuries, it remains uncertain whether the outcomes of Allen Type III and IV injuries differ from those of Allen Type I and II. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the presence of embedded foreign material under an SOFD - such as sutures, artificial nails, or K-wires - increases the risk of complications, or whether SOFD is suitable for treating fingertip necrosis. This study aims to address these knowledge gaps. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 patients with 44 fingertip injuries and 13 fingertip necroses were treated with a SOFD in combination with surgical intervention between January 2010 and July 2019 at the Clinic for Hand surgery, Bad Neustadt. Among the injuries, 9 cases were classified as Allen Type I, 10 as Allen Type II, 18 as Allen Type III, and 7 as Allen Type IV. 22 out of the 50 patients had foreign material under the film dressings. During follow-up, conducted at least 2 years after treatment, cold sensitivity, pain at rest and during activity, the usage of the injured finger in daily life, and patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome were assessed. Sensitivity was evaluated using static and dynamic 2-point discrimination and sharp-dull discrimination. Sweat secretion was tested using the ninhydrin test, while fingerprint ridges were visualized with ink prints. Mobility of the distal interphalangeal and thumb interphalangeal joints was measured using a goniometer for small joints. Data were collected for both the injured fingers and their contralateral uninjured counterparts. Nail growth disorders were also assessed. The results of Allen Type I–IV fingertip injuries and fingertip necrosis were compared with each other and, where applicable, correlated with findings from the uninjured contralateral fingers. Results: The clinical outcomes of Allen Type III and IV fingertip injuries were not significantly different from those of Allen Type I and II injuries in terms of static and dynamic 2-point discrimination, sharp-dull discrimination, sweat secretion, pain, cold sensitivity, the usage of the injured finger in daily life or satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. However, the mean static and dynamic 2-point discrimination of the uninjured contralateral fingers was significantly better than that of the injured fingers. Patients with Allen Type III injuries rated the aesthetic outcome less favorably, although not statistically significantly, compared to patients with Allen Type I, II, and IV injuries. Nail growth disorders were observed in 3/10 Allen Type II, 9/18 Allen Type III, and 6/7 Allen Type IV injuries. For Allen Type IV fingertip injuries, the mobility of the distal interphalangeal joint was slightly worse, though this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, the mobility of the injured distal joints was significantly reduced compared to their uninjured contralateral counterparts. Under an SOFD, fingertip regeneration occurred following the debridement of fingertip necrosis, with no infections observed. Pain at rest and during activity, cold sensitivity, and 2-point discrimination did not differ significantly between patients with fingertip necrosis and fingertip injuries. However, patients with fingertip necrosis were less satisfied with the aesthetic outcome compared to patients with fingertip injuries. The presence of foreign material under the SOFD did not influence the healing and no infections occurred. Conclusion: SOFD demonstrate good outcomes in fingertip injuries types Allen III and IV, as well as in fingertip necrosis, comparable to those of types Allen I and II. However, it is important to inform patients about potential risks such as nail deformities and compromised aesthetic appearance. Surgical interventions involving foreign material under an SOFD do not affect the healing of fingertip injuries and can therefore expand the indication spectrum for SOFD.

AreA is a transcription activation protein regulating over 100 genes in Aspergillus nidulans. It is a member of the 4 cysteine zinc finger family, with significant sequence homology in the zinc finger domain with related proteins. As with similar proteins, the zinc finger domain has been identified as the DNA binding motif. Other regions of the protein do not appear to playa role in directly binding DNA. A truncated form of AreA, known as the minimal zinc finger protein, containing the zinc finger domain alone, has been cloned and over-expressed in this study. This domain is sufficient to bind DNA specifically, but weakly. However, the addition of a further 30 amino acids, C-terminal to the minimal zinc finger, containing a highly basic tail is shown to increase the specific binding affinity. Other forms of AreA have been characterised and do not significantly increase the affinity of DNA binding. Identification of a consensus binding sequence by SELEX has also demonstrated that the minimal zinc finger is sufficient to specifically recognise the core sequence GA T A but suggests a degree of tolerance for TAT A. Addition of further regions of the protein do not extend the limits of the recognition sequence or change the consensus sequence. The SELEX experiments did not give any evidence of AreA functioning as a dimer, through proteinprotein interactions. Structural studies of the truncated forms of AreA, by circular dichroism, have suggested the formation of secondary structures for the zinc finger motif similar to those of other proteins and in agreement with the published NMR structure of the AreA zinc finger bound to DNA (Starich et ai., 1998a).

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 220-230). Also available via the Internet