Majority Voting Ransomware Detection System

Crypto-ransomware remains a significant threat to governments and companies alike, with high-profile cyber security incidents regularly making headlines. Many different detection systems have been proposed as solutions to the ever-changing dynamic landscape of ransomware detection. In the majority of cases, these described systems propose a method based on the result of a single test performed on either the executable code, the process under investigation, its behaviour, or its output. In a small subset of ransomware detection systems, the concept of a scorecard is employed where multiple tests are performed on various aspects of a process under investigation and their results are then analysed using machine learning. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new majority voting approach to ransomware detection by developing a method that uses a cumulative score derived from discrete tests based on calculations using algorithmic rather than heuristic techniques. The paper describes 23 candidate tests, as well as 9 Windows API tests which are validated to determine both their accuracy and viability for use within a ransomware detection system. Using a cumulative score calculation approach to ransomware detection has several benefits, such as the immunity to the occasional inaccuracy of individual tests when making its final classification. The system can also leverage multiple tests that can be both comprehensive and complimentary in an attempt to achieve a broader, deeper, and more robust analysis of the program under investigation. Additionally, the use of multiple collaborative tests also significantly hinders ransomware from masking or modifying its behaviour in an attempt to bypass detection. The results achieved by this research demonstrate that many of the proposed tests achieved a high degree of accuracy in differentiating between benign and malicious targets and suggestions are offered as to how these tests, and combinations of tests, could be adapted to further improve the detection accuracy.

Mitochondrial malic enzyme 2 promotes breast cancer metastasis via stabilizing HIF-1α under hypoxia

Objective: α-ketoglutarate(α-KG) is the substrate to hydroxylate collagen and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), which are important for cancer metastasis. Previous studies have shown that the upregulation of collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase in breast cancer cells stabilizes the expression of HIF-1α by depleting α-KG levels. We hypothesized that mitochondrial malic enzyme 2(ME2) might also affect HIF-1α expression via modulating α-KG levels in breast cancer cells.Methods: We evaluated ME2 protein expression in 100 breast cancer patients using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological indicators. The effect of ME2 knockout on cancer metastasis was evaluated using an orthotopic breast cancer model. The effect of ME2 knockout or knockdown on the levels of α-KG and HIF-1α proteins in breast cancer cell lines was determined both in vitro and in vivo.Results: ME2 was found to be upregulated in the human breast cancerous tissues compared with the matched precancerous tissues(P<0.001). The elevated expression of ME2 was associated with a poor prognosis(P=0.019).ME2 upregulation was also related to lymph node metastasis(P=0.016), pathological staging(P=0.033), and vascular cancer embolus(P=0.014). Also, ME2 knockout significantly inhibited lung metastasis in vivo. In the tumors formed by ME2 knockout cells, the levels of α-KG were significantly increased and collagen hydroxylation level did not change significantly but HIF-1α protein expression was significantly decreased, compared to the control samples. In cell culture, cells with ME2 knockout or knockdown demonstrated significantly higher α-KG levels but significantly lower HIF-1α protein expression than control cells under hypoxia. Exogenous malate and α-KG exerted similar effect on HIF-1α in breast cancer cells to ME2 knockout or knockdown. Additionally,treatment with malate significantly decreased 4 T1 breast cancer lung metastasis. ME2 expression was associated with HIF-1α levels in human breast cancer samples(P=0.008).Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that upregulation of ME2 is associated with a poor prognosis of breast cancer patients and propose a mechanistic understanding of a link between ME2 and breast cancer metastasis.

PbPH5,an H^(+)P-ATPase on the tonoplast,is related to malic acid accumulation in pear fruit

Organic acid content is one of the most important factors influencing fruit flavors.The predominant organic acid in most pear cultivars is malic acid,but the mechanism controlling its accumulation remains unclear.In this study,by comparing gene expression levels and organic acid contents,we found that the expression of PbPH5,which encodes a P_(3A)-ATPase,is highly correlated with malic acid accumulation in four different pear species,with correlation coefficients of 0.932**,0.656*,0.900**,and 0.518*(*,P<0.05;**,P<0.01)for Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.,P.communis Linn.,P.pyrifolia Nakai.,and P.ussuriensis Maxim.,respectively.Moreover,the overexpression of PbPH5 in pear significantly increased the malic acid content.In contrast,silencing PbPH5 via RNA interference significantly decreased both its transcript level and the pear fruit malic acid content.A subcellular localization analysis indicated that PbPH5 is located in the tonoplast.Additionally,a phylogenetic analysis indicated that PbPH5 is a PH5 homolog gene that is clustered with the Petunia hybrida,Malus domestica,and Citrus reticulata genes.Considered together,these findings suggest that PbPH5 is a functionally conserved gene.Furthermore,the accumulation of malic acid in pear fruit is at least partly related to changes in the PbPH5 transcription levels.

Trace determination of cobalt ion by using malic acid-malonic acid double substrate oscillating chemical system

A novel kinetic method for determination of trace amounts of cobalt ion was proposed and validated. The method is based on adding malic acid into classical Belousov-Zhabotinskii （B-Z） oscillating chemical system to form a double substrate one. The results showed that when the concentration of cobalt ion was in the range of 5.27× 10^-8 to 5.37 × 10^-12 mol L^-1, the change of the oscillating period was directly proportional to the negative logarithm of cobalt ion concentration. The sensitivity and precision of the developed method were quite satisfactory. The limit of detection was down to 5.20 × 10^-13 mol L^-1 which was a highest sensitivity found for determination of metal ions using oscillating chemical reaction so far. Some factors influencing the determination were also examined. The method has been successfully used to determine cobalt ion in vitamin B12 injection.

Comparison of energy-related isoenzymes between production and racing Arabian camels

Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have been applied for the analyses of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) and malic (ME) isoenzymes in Arabian camel for racing and production. Two fractions for each of these isoenzymes have been recorded in the studied breeds. ALP showed very weak patterns without remarkable difference between the two breeds and this is an indication to that the samples used were healthy and being from the same age. The cytosolic Mdh-1 and ME-1 have been recorded in both camel breeds with high intensity. The mitochondrial Mdh-2 and ME-2 have been recorded with small intensity in production breeds commonly. The present data indicate the necessity of the mitochondrialMdh-2 for energy production in racing breed and the responsibility of the cytosolic Mdh-1 for lipogenesis and energy production in both breeds. We therefore may assume that the appearance of both Mdh forms is necessary for both energy and lipid production in the production breeds while Mdh-1 was useful as bioenergetic enzyme necessary for racing. The different expressions are indications of the difference in the physiological adaptations of both camel breeds and are not for a systematic value.

A NEW CHEMICAL OSCILLATOR WITH A MACROCYCLIC COPPER（Ⅱ） COMPLEX AS THE CATALYST AND MALIC ACID AS THE SUBSTRATE

A new Belousov-Zhabotinskii oscillator in the malic acid-NaBrO3-H2SO4-[CuL](CIO4) 2 system, where L is 5. 7, 12, 14-tetraethyl-7, 14-dimethyl-1, 4, 8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene, is reported

Chemical Composition and Microstructure of Hydration Products of Hardened White Portland Cement Pastes Containing Admixtures

This study investigated the nature of hydration products of white portland cement （WPC） containing 20 mM malic acid or 1 M calcium chloride hydrated for 11 years. The study identified the hydration products and characterized the chemical composition, morphology, micro/nano structure of C-S-H and the main binding phase in cementitious materials. Calcium hydroxide （CH）, ettringite and C-S-H were identified in WPC with 20 mM malic acid paste hydrated for 11 years. WPC with 1 M calcium chloride paste hydrated for 11 years contained the same phases, but with less CH, and the presence of Friedel＇s salt （Ca2AI（OH）6CI2H2O）. There were still small amount of anhydrous cement particles remaining in both pastes after 11 years hydration according to the SEM and 29Si MAS NMR results. The hydration products of paste containing malic acid had a lower porosity than those prepared with calcium chloride upon visual inspection under SEM. The morphology of the outer product （Op） C-S-H was coarse fibrillar and the inner product （Ip） C-S-H had a very fine microstructure in both pastes under TEM. Both Ip and Op C-S-H formed in paste containing malic acid had lower Ca/Si and higher A1/Si than those in paste containing calcium chloride. C-S-H in paste containing calcium chloride had longer MCL and less percentage of bridging tetrahedra occupied by aluminum in silicon/ aluminum chains due to relatively less Qp and more Q2. A new type of silicon tetrahedra, Q28, was introduced during deconvolution of 29Si MAS NMR results. Ip and Op C-S-H in both pastes had aluminum substituted tobermorite-type and jennite-type structure, and all the charges caused by aluminum substituting silicon bridging tetrahedra were balanced by Ca2＋.

A convenient synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-(substituted phenyl) butanoates from malic acid

A synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-（substituted phenyl）butanoates has been accomplished using Friedel-Crafts acylation of substituted benzenes with 2-acetoxybutanoyl chloride. The key feature of this strategy is that various 4-arylbutanoates can be obtained conveniently, which are important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds including ACE inhibitors.？2009 Yong Sup Lee. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Complexation of Molybdenum （Ⅵ） with R—and S—malic Acid,The Crystal S

Ammonium tetramolybdate ( NH4 )4[(MoO2)4O3 (R-mal)2]·6H2O(mal= malic acid)and (NH4)4[(MoO2)4O3(S-mal)2)·6H2O have been prepared by the reaction of R and S-malic acid with ammonium heptamolybdate, respectively. The two complexes are enantiomeric and isomorphous. The complex of Risomer crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with unit cell parameters:a = 14. 591 (2 ), b = 10. 108(2), c=11. 464(2), β=121. 48(1)°, V=1441. 9(4),Z=2, Fω=1002. 13, Dc=2. 308, Dm=2. 3 g/cm3. F(000) = 988, MoKα radiation (λ=0. 71073 ), μ (MoKα) = 17. 7 cm-1. Final R=0. 027 for 1491 reflections with I>2. 5 σ(I). Analysis of molecular structure reveals that the complex anion contains a (Mo2O5)O(Mo2O5)core with the bridging oxo-group passing through two-fold axis. Each molybdenum is hexacoordinated , and the malate ligand is quadridentated to two molybdenum atoms by the deprotonated hydroxy-, α- and β-carboxylate groups. Principal dimensions are:[Mo=O(t)]av, 1. 705(6); [Mo-O(b)]av, 1. 920(6); Mo-O(hydroxy). 1. 925(6);Mo-O(α-carboxy), 2. 226 (6), and [Mo-O(β-carboxy)av, 2. 296 (5).Lattice water is distributed throughout the cell and together with various types of the anion oxygens, making H-bonding.

Relationship between Muscular Malic Enzyme Activity and Meat Quality in Pigs

[ Objective] To investigate the relationship between muscular malic enzyme （ME） activity and meat quality in pigs. [ Method] Three pig breeds, Exi pigs, Changye x Exi hybrid pigs and Landrace xYorkshire pigs were selected. Then the ME activity and meat traits were detected, and the relationship between ME activity and meat quality were analyzed with SAS software. [ Result] The Exi pigs had the highest ME activity and intra- muscular fat （IMF） content （ P 〈 0.05）. The pH2 value, drip loss and muscle shear force of Landrace xYorkshire pigs were higher than that of Exi pigs significantly （P 〈 0.05）. [ Conclusion] The ME activity has a certain correlation with meat quality of pigs. The muscular ME activity has signifi- cantly positive correlation with IMF content and significantly negative correlation with drip loss and muscle shear force.

Structural Basis for the Interaction of 14-3-3<i>β</i>with Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediate Malate

The protein family of 14-3-3(s) has risen to a position of higher importance as an adaptor protein in cell biology. The seven highly conserved human 14-3-3 proteins coordinate diverse cellular processes including apoptosis, DNA damage response, protein trafficking, and others. In liver hepatocytes, 14-3-3β binds to Ser196-phosphorilated glucose-responsive carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) to inhibit converting excess carbohydrate to fat by regulating the nuclear/cytosol trafficking of ChREBP. Here, we report X-ray crystal structures of homodimeric mammalian 14-3-3β in its apo, Malate-bound forms. The determined apo structure was captured with one monomer in the closed state, whereas the other one had an open conformation. Strikingly, 14-3-3β binds Malate dynamically with a double-closed state, which is distinct from all previously characterized 14-3-3(s) and target ligand-binding modes. Malate docks into a first-time observed cofactor pocket located at the concaved interface of 14-3-3β helices α2, α3, α4 through mainly electrostatic and hydrogen interactions. Such a Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle intermediate Malate bond model might offer a new approach to further analyze insulin-independent 14-3-3/ChREBP pathway of de novo fat synthesis in the liver.

Enhanced protective coatings on Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy through anodizing and post-sealing with layered double hydroxides

Anodic oxidation is a prevalent technique to introduce superior corrosion and wear resistance upon the surface of titanium(Ti)alloys,in which the selection of appropriate electrolytes and defect-sealing strategies is a key.This study aims to address such issues through anodizing Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy in malic acid,followed by a post-sealing treatment with Mg-Al layered double hydroxides(LDHs).The characteristics of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy(GDOES),X-ray diffraction(XRD)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS).SEM micrographs reveals that the anodic coating had a surface full of bulges and cracks,and was almost sealed by the following LDHs treatment.XRD pattern indicate that the anodic coating was mainly consisted of amorphous TiO2 with a small fraction of anatase,but its crystallization degree was increased through the post-sealing.Moreover,electrochemical and tribological measurements demonstrate that corrosion current density was 2.8×10-6,2.0×10-7,5.9×10-9A cm-2,and wear rate was 1.45×10-3,1.30×10-4 and 6.90×10-5 mm3 N-1 m-1 for respective bare Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy substrate,anodized specimens without and with the LDHs post treatment.Finally,a plausible wear mechanism was proposed.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-sized YAG:Ce,Sm spherical phosphors

YAG：Ce,Sm spherical phosphors were synthesized by malic acid sol-gel method. The formation process of crystalline was characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） technique. The influence of Sm3＋ doping on the luminescent intensity and the morphology of phosphors were studied by fluorescence spectrum and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） techniques, respectively. The results indicated that the size of spherical powders was about 100 um calcined at 1200 ℃ for 3 h. The emission spectra of phosphors showed gradual red-shift from 525 to 540 um with the increase of doping concentration of Sm3＋ ion. A broadband emission specmtm of Ce3＋ ion appeared at 540 nm, and a series of emission peaks corresponding to the 4Gs/2-＋6Hd transition of Sm3＋ ion also appeared at 617 um with the doping of Sm3＋. The red component of YAG：Ce phosphors increased with the doping of Sm3＋.

Leaching process of phosphorus and iron from steelmaking slag into malic acid solution

In order to remove phosphorus element from steelmaking slag and decrease iron loss,malic acid was selected as the leaching agent to dissolve steelmaking slag.Firstly,the influences of different factors,such as malic acid concentration,slag particle size,temperature,liquid/solid ratio and stirring speed,on the leaching ratios of phosphorus and iron were studied.Then,the kinetics for the leaching process of phosphorus was analyzed.The results showed that the leaching ratios of phosphorus and iron increase significantly with increasing the malic acid solution concentration and liquid/solid ratio.When the concentration of malic acid solution increases up to 0.01492 mol/L,about 80%phosphorus can be dissolved,and iron leaching ratio is less than 17%.In addition,decreasing slag particle size can obviously increase the leaching ratio of phosphorus.However,temperature and stirring speed have no significant effect on the dissolution of phosphorus and iron.The leaching kinetics of phosphorus follows the unreacted shrinking core model.Diffusion through product layer is the rate-limiting step of the leaching process,and the corresponding apparent activation energy is determined to be 3.32 kJ/mol.Finally,a semi-empirical kinetic equation was established.

Towards Reaction Control:An Expeditious Access to Racemic 5-Substituted Tetramates and 5-Substituted Tetramic Acids from Malimides

A versatile and divergent two-step transformation of malimides to racemic tetramates and tetramic acids is de-scribed.The method consists of Grignard reagent addition with malimides to give hemiaminals and concentrated HCl-promoted chemoselective transformations of the latter.When running the reaction in CH2Cl2 and in the pres-ence of 2.5 molar equiv.of conc.HCl,5-alkyltetramates were formed,while in neat conc.HCl,5-alkyltetramic ac-ids were obtained.Using this method,a variety of title compounds were prepared in good to excellent yields(82%-99%,and 76%/85%).The work also constitutes a formal racemic total synthesis of reutericyclin.On the basis of the experimental evidences and of a deuterium labeling experiment,a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.This work thus demonstrated two new types of step economical and chemodivergent transformations starting from malic acid.

Quantitative trait loci analysis of glucosinolate,sugar,and organic acid concentrations in Eruca vesicaria subsp.sativa

Eruca vesicaria subsp.sativa is a leafy vegetable of the Brassicaceae family known for its pungency.Variation in grow-ing conditions,leaf age,agronomic practices,and variety choice lead to inconsistent quality,especially in content of isothiocyanates(ITCs)and their precursor glucosinolates(GSLs).We present the first linkage and Quantitative Trait Loci(QTL)map for Eruca,generated using a population of 139 F_(4) lines.A significant environmental effect on the abun-dance of primary and secondary metabolites was observed,with UK-grown plants containing significantly higher concentrations of glucoraphanin,malic acid,and total sugars.Italian-grown plants were characterized by higher concentrations of glucoerucin,indolic GSLs,and low monosaccharides.20 QTL were identified and associated with robust SNP markers.Five genes putatively associated with the synthesis of the GSL 4-methoxyglucobrassicin(4MGB)were identified as candidate regulators underlying QTL.Analysis revealed that orthologs of MYB51,IGMT1 and IGMT4 present on LG1 are associated with 4MGB concentrations in Eruca.This research illustrates the utility of the map for identifying genes associated with nutritional composition in Eruca and its value as a genetic resource to assist breed-ing programs for this leafy vegetable crop.