Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Iriscodes Bioencoding Scheme

Cancelable biometrics is a technique used to enhance security and user privacy. These schemes are employed to generate multiple revocable data from the original biometric template. In this paper, the security of binary template transformations is evaluated, through a new transformation for iris templates, called bioencoding scheme. This transformation and its security is analyzed, using Boolean functions and non linear Boolean systems. A general discussion on binary template transformations is finally proposed.
Pharmaceutical applications of Pheroid TM technology

For a drug to have a therapeutic effect, it has to reach its site of action in sufficient quantities. The PheroidTM drug delivery system enhances the absorption of drugs in various pharmacological categories and is the focus of this study. A number of patents are registered in various countries to protect its application. PheroidTM technology is trademarked, but may for ease of reading, be called Pheroid(s) only. The PheroidTM itself is composed of an organic carbon backbone composed of unsaturated fatty acids with some side-chain interactions that result in self-emulsifying characteristics. The resulting vesicles and nano-sponges can entrap hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic compounds for biomedical and agricultural application and can be manipulated as to loading ability, mechanical resistance, permeability, size and solubility. PheroidTM was investigated for its potential use in the areas of vaccines, peptide drugs, topical products and cosmeceuticals, antimicrobial treatments and agriculture. In all of these areas, the PheroidTM has indeed shown applicability: the results showed improved uptake and/or efficacy of the entrapped chemical or biological compounds after administration by a number of administration routes. For oral administration, a precursor format, the pro-PheroidTM, was used, wherein the vesicles and/or sponges are formed post-administration. Proof of concept studies on the in vivo absorption and bioavailability, as well as studies on in vitro efficacy of Pheroid-based formulations were carried out for antimicrobials, such as tuberculosis drugs, antimalarials and antiretrovirals. In all cases, the in vitro efficacy of the active compounds was increased, compared to well-known standard drug treatments. In a phase I bio-equivalence study, a PheroidTM-containing combination formulation was compared against the comparative market leader. The results demonstrated that the bioavailability of the active compounds in the PheroidTM was at least as good but mostly significantly better than that of the comparative medication. In addition, the incidence of side-effects was decreased in the case of the PheroidTM formulations. Furthermore, in vitro results indicate that drug resistance can at least partially be negated. PheroidTM technology may also be capable of protecting labile drugs such as peptides against degradation and increasing efficacy so that lower dosages can be administered less frequently and with fewer side effects. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, a number of products are currently in development. The application of Pheroid TM technology is potentially limitless and includes such areas as TB, malaria, cancer, AIDS, gene delivery, vaccines, patented medicines and generics and agriculture.
The impact of varying context on value cocreation: Polar cases of Western markets and bottom of the pyramid (BoP) energy companies

The joint creation of value by multiple actors in an ecosystem lies at the very centre of many extremely successful firms. Not surprisingly, the study of mechanisms and processes of value cocreation has attracted researchers and practitioner’s alike. However, although being a cornerstone of value cocreation, the impact of context on the latter has not been studied in depth and existing studies show mixed results. Therefore, this study employs a polar case study to understand which context factors influence value cocreation and uncover the underlying mechanism. The study draws on six cases from Western and five cases from bottom of the pyramid (BoP) markets within the energy sector. We find that the lack of transparency, unilateral risk identification, actor heterogeneity, decentralization, institutionalized standards and incentive multiplicity significantly impact the processes and mechanisms of value cocreation. Interestingly we found, that contrary to common understanding the identified factors are harmful to meaningful interaction. These can have a positive impact and increase the potential for value cocreation in certain phases. We conclude with a revised concept of context-contingent interaction patterns for value cocreation.
Increasing cellular radioresistance by simultaneous 1 CRISPR / dCas 9-driven overexpression of XPC and 2 HR 23 B genes 3

Current understanding of mechanisms of cellular resistance to genotoxic stress is 11 incomplete but is critical for a variety of medical applications. Recent developments in the 12 CRISPR/Cas technologies open new opportunities for targeted interrogation of resistance genes and 13 pathways. In the present work, we used nuclease dead Cas9 constructs to achieve targeted 14 overexpression of endogenous genes encoding two essential subunits of DNA damage sensor 15 complex, XPC and HR23B, in HEK293T cells. Both individual and simultaneous overexpression of 16 the two genes was achieved and the effects on cellular resistance to ionizing radiation and paraquat 17 was examined. Using the fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay, we showed that 18 simultaneous, but not separate overexpression of the two genes lead to a 30% increase in 19 survivability. Irradiated cells that overexpressed both XPC and HR23B genes showed higher 20 clonogenic capacity and proliferation rate compared to the irradiated transfection control as 21 revealed by the clonogenic survival assay. Modulation of the gene expression did not affect cell 22 resistance to paraquat. In summary, our results demonstrate a high potential of CRISPR/dCas923 enabled multiplex overexpression of stress-response genes in functionally justified combinations, 24 exemplified here by the XPC-HR23B complex, for achieving an enhanced cellular radioresistance. 25
Blockchain-based Decentralized Public Key Management for Named Data Networking (Invited Paper)

—Named Data Networking (NDN) uses public-key based identities and trust models to achieve data-centric security . Each NDN data packet is signed by its producer, and any data consumer can check the data integrity and authenticity by following a chain of trust to verify that the data is signed by a public key associated with the data producer. Such trust chains typically end at an application-speciﬁc trust anchor whose public key is either preconﬁgured into the software package or can be veriﬁed through some means outside the application. As these trust anchors play a critical role in ensuring the security of NDN applications, it is highly desirable to develop a public key management system to register, query, update, validate, and revoke their public keys. However, traditional public key management system such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Web-of-Trust (WoT) suffer from various problems. In this paper, we propose BC-PKM, a public key management system for NDN that takes advantage of the decentralized and tamper-proof design features of Blockchains. We further prove that BC-PKM can resist a variety of attacks from adversaries that compromise less than half of the public key miners. Moreover, we demonstrate a prototype that implements the proposed API of BC-PKM.
N-Benzyl-9-isopropyl-9H-purin-6-amine

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H17N5, consists of two molecules in which the dihedral angles between the best planes of the purine ring system (r.m.s. deviations = 0.0060 and 0.0190 Å) and the benzene ring are 89.21 (3) and 82.14 (4)°. The molecules within the asymmetric unit are linked into dimers by pairs of N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H⋯π contacts and π–π interactions [centroid–centroid = 3.3071 (1) Å] further connect the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
Structure and function of biomacromolecules

Human insulin is a 51-amino acid hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, lipid/protein metabolism, and is also involved in modulation of the life span. Insulin exerts its actions through binding as a monomer to the 450 kDa (αβ)2homodimeric, tyrosine kinase-type insulin receptor (IR). Insulin consists of A-chain (GlyA1-AsnA21) and B-chain (PheB1-ThrB30) that are linked by two interchain disulphide bridges. Insulin dimerise at low micro molar concentrations, and the presence of divalent metal ions such as Zn2+ leads to the formation of insulin hexamers that represent the storage form of this hormone. There is overwhelming evidence that monomeric insulin must undergo structural changes upon binding to IR. Mainly, the C-terminal ~B22-B30 part of the B-chain has to rearrange to reveal amino acids that are crucial for an effective formation of the hormone-receptor interface and which are obstructed by C-terminal B22-B30 β-strand in the dimeric and hexameric forms of the hormone. Since the first 3-D description of insulin structure by Dorothy Hodgkin group in 1969 [1] the understanding of insulin binding to IR was based mostly on the inactive, storage (hexamers, dimers) states of the hormone, or its engineered monomers [2]. The structures of some ectodmain constructs of the IR have been determined, but only in their apo-forms [3]. Recently, an extensive and interdisciplinary collaborative effort provided the first insight into the mode of insulin binding to IR [4]. This work was focused on IR α-subunit fragments containing L1-CR-L2-FnIII-1 (IR593.αCT) and L1-CR (IR310.T) domains that cover the key hormone binding sites. Several complexes with wild type and high affinity insulins have been determined. The α-subunit 15-amino acid C-terminal segment (αCT) was crucial for an effective hormone binding. All insulin-IR complexes showed the same mode of hormonereceptor interaction. Most remarkably, they revealed that the direct contacts of insulin with the L1 IR domain are rather sparse. Instead, the hormone is engaged with the receptor via the αCT segment that is anchored on the surface of the L1 domain formed by its central β-sheet. Most of the insulin side chains involved in this interactions form so-called insulin site 1. The observed insulin:IR binding mode unifies plethora of various biochemical and biophysical data and rationalizes long-standing anomalies in some diabetes-related insulin variants. It also confirms the ‘induced-fit’ of insulin on the IR surface during complex formation that requires the displacement of the insulin B26¬B30 chain upon binding to the receptor; although the B21-B30 cannot be seen in the complexes, the wild type conformation of these residues would clash with the αCT-segment indicating the need for reallocation of the B26-B30 part of the hormone. This work has been expanded now to Drosophila insulins that are highly homologous to human hormone. They represent a workable system to study complex structure-function-phenotype relationships within insulin-IGF family of hormones.
Dynamic and Configurational Approach to the Glass Transition by Nanoscale Cooperativity

Here we examine the findings obtained for disaccharide/water mixtures near glass transition that involves cooperative relaxation features on kinetic by viscosity and on thermodynamic behaviour by neutron scattering. Then to address cooperative phenomena that mitigate the Debye-Waller behaviour we invoke Adam-Gibbs’ idea of a cooperative rearranging region. Neutron results suggest that the excess mean square displacement behaves as free volume and is closely connected to an elementary step of the structural relaxation. Then viscosity data evidence a breakdown of the Einstein-Debye relation, decoupling attributed to the intermolecular cooperativity.
Commitments Test Entities on the ASX: IPOs and Subsequent Seasoned Equity Offers ∞

This study employs alternative models that may explain the likelihood, relative offer size, timing and market reaction to seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) by Australian Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Our sample of IPOs includes public offerings that list as Commitments Test Entities (CTEs) on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Recent changes to the ASX listing rules allow young and often unprofitable companies to list as CTEs and become quoted on the ASX based on commitments to spend the funds raised under an IPO. We find that CTEs are significantly more likely to have an SEO within three years of listing and to have a relatively larger SEO than concurrent non-CTE IPOs. Our results indicate that initial and aftermarket returns, as well as earnings and cash flow forecasts can explain the likelihood and the relative size of the first SEO within three years of listing. Superior initial and aftermarket returns indicate increased likelihood of an SEO, larger relative size of the SEO and shorter waiting period before the first SEO. However, use of the offer proceeds and SEO type better explain the share price reaction to the SEO announcement. JEL Classification: G12, G14, G19, G38
Preoperative Cleft Lip Measurements and Maxillary Growth in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective Maxillary growth in patients with cleft lip and palate is highly variable. The authors' aim was to investigate associations between preoperative cleft lip measurements and maxillary growth determined cephalometrically in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (cUCLP). Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients Children with cUCLP. Methods Preoperative cleft lip measurements were made at the time of primary cheiloplasty and available for each patient. Maxillary growth was evaluated on lateral cephalometric radiographs taken prior to any orthodontic treatment and alveolar bone grafting (8.5 ± 0.7 years). The presence of associations between preoperative cleft lip measurements and cephalometric measures of maxillary growth was determined using regression analyses. Results In the 58 patients included in the study, the cleft lateral lip element was deficient in height in 90% and in transverse width in 81% of patients. There was an inverse correlation between cleft lateral lip height and transverse width with a β coefficient of −0.382 (P = .003). Patients with a more deficient cleft lateral lip height displayed a shorter maxillary length (β coefficient = 0.336; P = .010), a less protruded maxilla (β coefficient = .334; P =.008), and a shorter anterior maxillary height (β coefficient = 0.306; P = .020) than those with a less deficient cleft lateral lip height. Conclusions Patients with cUCLP present with varying degrees of lateral lip hypoplasia. Preoperative measures of lateral lip deficiency are related to later observed deficiencies of maxillary length, protrusion, and height.
Race / ethnicity and criminal behavior : Neurohormonal in fl uences

Evolutionary neuroandrogenic (ENA) theory asserts that brain exposed to androgens plus the brain's ability to learn accounts for most of the sex and age variations in criminal behavior. Here, the theory is extended to explain race/ethnic variations in offending. The article documents that among seven different racial/ethnic groups, blacks have the highest and East Asians have the lowest criminal involvement. Strictly social environmental explanations for race/ethnic differences in criminality appear to be inadequate for explaining these differences. Two main elements of ENA theory are offered in the present context: (a) criminal behavior is promoted by exposing the brain to testosterone and other androgens. (b) rapid postpubertal declines in offending depend heavily on learning ability. Ten lines of evidence concerning average racial/ethnic variations in androgen exposure are reviewed, and four lines of evidence of racial/ethnic differences in learning ability are reviewed. With some exceptions and qualifications, currently-available evidence seems to support the idea that racial/ethnic variations in offending could be at least partially explained by ENA theory. Closing comments are offered to suggest that biosocial approaches to the study of racial/ethnic variations in criminal behavior can help to supplement strictly social environmental theories in criminology. For over a century, scholars have struggled to explain racial and ethnic differences in criminal behavior (reviewed by Gabbidon, 2015; McNulty & Bellair, 2003). In just the past five years, eight scholarly books have been published dedicated to this topic (Barak, Leighton, & Cotton, 2014; Delgado & Stefancic, 2012; Gabbidon, 2015; Glynn, 2013; KaluntaCrumpton, 2012; Rowe, 2012; Unnever &Gabbidon, 2011; Walker, Spohn, & DeLone, 2011). And, in a fairly recent presidential address to the American Society of Criminology, Peterson (2012, p. 303) called for “placing race and ethnicity at the center of the study of crime and justice”. As will be shown, nearly all past and contemporary explanations for racial/ethnic variations in criminal behavior consider only social environmental variables as relevant. The present article proposes that the inclusion of neurohormonal variables along with learning ability and sociocultural variables can provide a more complete explanation for the race/ethnic differences in offending that have been documented. There are five parts to this article. Part I capsulates the nature of race differences in offending. Part II briefly summarizes social environmental explanations for these race/ethnic differences. In Part III, a biosocial theory is presented that could assist in understanding these differences. Part IV reviews a wide array of empirical evidence bearing on possible race/ethnic differences in exposure to testosterone and other androgens as well as race/ethnic differences in learning ability. Part IV is further condensed in Part V in order to match theoretical predictions with the available evidence.
The effect of fluid shear and co-adsorbed proteins on the stability of immobilized fibrinogen and subsequent platelet interactions

The conformation adopted by the plasma protein fibrinogen upon its adsorption onto synthetic surfaces has been implicated to play an important role in determining the blood compatibility of biomaterials. It has recently been shown that adsorbed fibrinogen undergoes biologically significant conformational changes with increasing residence time on the surface of selected biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of co-adsorbed proteins and shear forces on such timedependent functional changes in fibrinogen adsorbed onto polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and silicone rubber (SR). Fibrinogen was adsorbed onto these materials for 1 min and then allowed to 'reside' on these surfaces for up to 2 h prior to assessing its biological activity. Changes in fibrinogen reactivity were determined by measuring the adhesion of 51Cr-labeled platelets and the ability of blood plasma to displace previously adsorbed fibrinogen. The magnitude of platelet adhesion to substrates adsorbed with pure fibrinogen increased in the presence of shear, compared with static conditions; at the lowest shear rate of 200 s-1, samples exhibited a 20-fold increase in adhered platelet levels. In contrast, at a higher shear rate of 1000 s-1, the three polymers supported minimal levels of platelet attachment. Surfaces pre-adsorbed with 10% plasma did not promote a significant increase in the number of adherent platelets with increasing shear when compared with the pure fibrinogencoated substrates. The presence of shear also significantly altered the materials' ability to retain fibrinogen. Under static conditions, the amount of fibrinogen retained following incubation in blood plasma increased on all materials with increasing fibrinogen residence time. However, the materials varied distinctly in their ability to retain adsorbed fibrinogen with increasing fibrinogen residence time, shear rate, and nature of the co-adsorbed proteins. Thus, the results from this study indicate that fluid shear, residence time of the adsorbed protein, nature of the co-adsorbed proteins, and surface chemistry of the material all play important roles in influencing platelet–surface interactions and that they act in a complex manner to influence the biocompatibility of a material.
Effect of Soil Texture on Water Movement of Porous Ceramic Emitters: A Simulation Study

Choosing reasonable design parameters for ceramic emitters used in subsurface irrigation is important for reducing the deep percolation of water and improving the water use efficiency. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations with the HYDRUS-2D software were carried out to analyze the effect of soil texture on the infiltration characteristics of porous ceramic emitters used for subsurface irrigation. HYDRUS-2D predictions of emitter discharge in soil and wetting front are in agreement with experimental results, and the HYDRUS-2D model can be used to accurately simulate soil water movement during subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitters in different soil textures. Results show that soil texture has a significant effect on emitter discharge, soil matrix potential around the emitter, and wetting front. For 12 different soil textures, the aspect ratio of the wetting front is basically between 0.84–1.49. In sandy soil, the wetting front mainly appears as an ellipse; but in the clay, the wetting front is closer to a circle. As irrigation time increases, emitter discharge gradually decreases to a stable value; however, emitter discharge in different texture soils is quite different. In order to improve the crop water use efficiency in sandy soil, soil water retention can be improved by adding a clay interlayer or adding water retention agent, reducing the risk of deep percolation and improving the water use efficiency.
Errors in Second Language Learners ’ Production of Phonological Contrasts in American Sign Language

In this study, we investigated the performance of second language learners at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency on a sentence repetition task involving sets of items illustrating phonological contrasts. The findings revealed the rate of error across all second language learners is highest with movement, followed closely by location and palm orientation. The lowest rate of error by far was handshape. Advanced learners produced fewer phonological errors than both beginner and intermediate learners, yet unexpected results confounded our hypotheses regarding distribution of errors across phonological parameters. This study shows that the phonological complexity of ASL influences perception and production in second language acquisition.