Security Analysis of Two Signcryption Schemes

Abstract. Signcryption is a new cryptographic primitive that performs signing and encryption simultaneously, at a cost significantly lower than that required by the traditional signature-then-encryption approach. In this paper, we present a security analysis of two such schemes: the Huang-Chang convertible signcryption scheme [12], and the Kwak-Moon group signcryption scheme [13]. Our results show that both schemes are insecure. Specifically, the Huang-Chang scheme fails to provide confidentiality, while the Kwak-Moon scheme does not satisfy the properties of unforgeability, coalition-resistance, and traceability

An international effort towards developing standards for best practices in analysis, interpretation and reporting of clinical genome sequencing results in the CLARITY Challenge

There is tremendous potential for genome sequencing to improve clinical diagnosis and care once it becomes routinely accessible, but this will require formalizing research methods into clinical best practices in the areas of sequence data generation, analysis, interpretation and reporting. The CLARITY Challenge was designed to spur convergence in methods for diagnosing genetic disease starting from clinical case history and genome sequencing data. DNA samples were obtained from three families with heritable genetic disorders and genomic sequence data were donated by sequencing platform vendors. The challenge was to analyze and interpret these data with the goals of identifying disease-causing variants and reporting the findings in a clinically useful format. Participating contestant groups were solicited broadly, and an independent panel of judges evaluated their performance. RESULTS: A total of 30 international groups were engaged. The entries reveal a general convergence of practices on most elements of the analysis and interpretation process. However, even given this commonality of approach, only two groups identified the consensus candidate variants in all disease cases, demonstrating a need for consistent fine-tuning of the generally accepted methods. There was greater diversity of the final clinical report content and in the patient consenting process, demonstrating that these areas require additional exploration and standardization. CONCLUSIONS: The CLARITY Challenge provides a comprehensive assessment of current practices for using genome sequencing to diagnose and report genetic diseases. There is remarkable convergence in bioinformatic techniques, but medical interpretation and reporting are areas that require further development by many groups

Achene morphology and pericarp anatomy of Anemone, Hepatica, and Pulsatilla (Anemoninae, Ranunculaceae)

The achene morphology and pericarp anatomy of 12 taxa representing three genera (Anemone, Hepatica, and Pulsatilla) of the subtribe Anemoninae were investigated using microtome and light microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic implications of achene characters. The achenes of Anemone were elliptical or obovoid and beaked, whereas the achene of Hepatica and Pulsatilla were obovoid and elliptical, respectively. Noticeable variations in both quantitative and qualitative features of achenes were observed among the species of the three genera. One-way analysis of variance indicated that the quantitative achene variables among the species were highly significant (P<0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient also showed a significant correlation between different achene variables. The pericarp structure, particularly the number of cell layers and cell forms in the exocarp and endocarp, seems to be very useful for species delimitation in Anemone and Hepatica. The nature of the endotesta could provide substantial proof for sub-generic classification in Anemone. Unweighted paired group analysis showed the utility of achene features for taxonomic groupings of the species within the studied genera. Although the specimen samples represented a limited range of taxa, the achene features and pericarp anatomy provided a reasonable source for the taxonomic treatment of the studied genera within the subtribe

Structure and function of glucose binding protein-single walled carbon nanotube complexes.

Understanding the structure and function of glucose binding proteins (GBP) complexed with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is important for the development of applications including fluorescent sensors and nanostructure particle tracking. Herein, circular dichroism (CD), thermal denaturation, photo-absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy are used to study these nanostructures. The protein retains its glucose-binding activity after complexation and is thermally stable below 36 &deg;C. However, the SWNT lowers the midpoint denaturation temperature (Tm) by 5 &deg;C and 4 &deg;C in the absence and presence of 10 mM glucose, respectively. This data highlights that using techniques such as CD and thermal denaturation may be necessary to fully characterize such protein-nanomaterial nanostructures

New Paradigm in Molecular Engineering of Sensitizers for Solar Cell Applications

A novel thiocyanate-free cyclometalleted ruthenium sensitizer for solar cells is designed and developed. Upon anchoring to nanocrystalline TiO2 films, it exhibits a remarkable incident monochromatic photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 83%. The solar cell employing a liquid-based electrolyte exhibits a short circuit photocurrent density of 17 mA/cm(2), an open circuit voltage of 800 mV, and a fill factor of 0.74, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 10.1% at standard AM 1.5 sunlight. To understand the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the cyclometalleted ruthenium sensitizer, we have investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT). Our results show the HOMO is located mostly on ruthenium and cyclometalated ligand, while the LUMO is on 4-carboxylic acid-4'-carboxylate-2,2'-bipyridine. Molecular orbitals analysis confirmed the experimental assignment of redox potentials, and TDDFT calculations allowed assignment of the visible absorption bands. The present findings provide new design criteria for the next generation of ruthenium sensitizers and help foster widespread interest in the engineering of new sensitizers that interact effectively with the I-/I-3(-) redox couple

Erratum: Clinical and Endocrine Features of Two Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome Patients with Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 Mutations

The monocarboxylate transporter 8 <i>(MCT8)</i> gene, located on chromosome Xq13.2, encodes a thyroid hormone transporter that is involved in triiodothyronine (T3) uptake into central neurons. <i>MCT8</i> mutations cause an X-linked syndromic disorder known as Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) that is characterized by severe psychomotor delays, abnormal thyroid function, and hypomyelinated leukodystrophies. We identified 2 AHDS patients with developmental delays, truncal hypotonia, and spastic paraplegia. These patients presented with psychomotor retardation and characteristic thyroid function abnormalities, such as elevated T3 and low T4 levels. Direct <i>MCT8</i> sequencing identified heterozygous mutations in each patient: p.I114N and p.A224V, respectively. Because it is difficult to suspect AHDS solely according to neurological features, thyroid function, including the T3 level, should be screened in male patients with X-linked mental retardation. Although the clinical features of hypothyroidism cannot be improved by only administering levothyroxine treatment, early diagnosis, management, and appropriate genetic counseling should be provided to at-risk families