bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Ants: What We (do not) Know About Trophic and Temporal Niches of Neotropical Species
Authors: Rosumek Félix Baumgarten
Published: October 2017

Our understanding of the natural history of Neotropical ants is still limited, both due to a lack of detailed descriptive efforts and the widespread use of morphospecies in community studies. Use of trophic resources and period of activity are two central niche aspects little explored for most species. This work aims to review the literature and provide empirical field data on these aspects for several species. The fieldwork was carried out in the Atlantic forest of southern Brazil. Trophic and temporal niches were assessed with pitfall traps and seven kinds of bait representing natural resources available to ants. Crushed insects were the preferred resource, whereas bird feces and living prey were less exploited overall. Most of the species occupied a broad trophic niche, using several resources, but with pronounced quantitative differences. Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille, 1802) and Pachycondyla striata Smith, 1858 were the only species that consistently used large prey, and avoided trisaccharides. Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863) differed remarkably from previous accounts, using feces as its sole trophic resource. Pheidole species had no previous records and use resources in different ways. Most species had no strong preference for period of activity. Camponotus zenon Forel, 1912 was nocturnal and Crematogaster nigropilosa Mayr, 1870, Linepithema iniquum (Mayr, 1870) and Linepithema pulex Wild, 2007 were diurnal. Complementary methods, context-dependence and descriptive studies have a central role in the understanding of ant natural history. Community assessments can contribute significantly to this knowledge if researchers also pay attention to the individual species involved.
Resource Storage in the Neotropical Social Wasp Mischocyttarus socialis (Saussure, 1854) (Vespidae: Polistini)
Authors: Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Detoni Mateus , Maciel Tatiane Tagliatti , Prezoto Fábio
Published: October 2017

Like other Hymenoptera, the social wasps can store liquid and solid resources inside the cells of their nests as reserve for periods of foof shortage. This study describes the occurrence of honey storage in colonies of the neotropical independently-founding wasp Mischocyttarus socialis. During August 2016, in the dry season, 15 colonies in the post-emergence phase were recorded at the botanical garden of Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora in southwestern of Brazil. Five of the colonies showed honey stored inside empty and immature (eggs) cells. The presence of these two patterns for this species suggests that the storage behavior can be a short-term strategy to feed larvae as soon as they emerge and also a long-term storage to complement population diet during food shortages.
First record of the occurrence of Partamona ailyae Camargo (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Atlantic Forest
Authors: Andrade Marcos Aurélio Pereira , Pedro Silvia Regina de Menezes , Cardoso Pedro Felipe Menezes , Miranda Elder Assis , Del Lama Marco A , Silva Maise
Published: October 2017

This is the first record of the stingless bee Partamona ailyae Camargo, 1980 in an area of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The morphological identification and COI and 12S sequences indicated that the samples collected in the Atlantic Forest and other areas of the range of distribution belong to the same biological species. The data revealed low intraspecific variation and high interspecific divergence, with no overlap of the taxa compared.
From action to insight: Uses of Post-Enactment Processing in the action therapies
Authors: Wiener Daniel J.
Published: October 2017

Action therapy techniques provide vivid experiences that, in themselves, often promote therapeutic change via insight. Applicable to all action therapies, verbal Post-Enactment Processing (PEP) provides reflection, questioning and associations during the verbal discourse that may follow therapeutically guided enactments. Ways of conducting PEP to facilitate insight are described in detail through a case example drawn from Rehearsals for Growth (RfG) couples therapy.
Systemic barriers in mental health care for LGBTQI and gender nonconforming drama therapists and clients
Authors: Beauregard Mark , Stone Ross , Trytan Nadya , Sajnani Nisha
Published: October 2017

Survey research was conducted to assess drama therapists’ attitudes and actions regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex (LGBTQI) and gender nonconforming (GNC) communities. The article reports on institutional attitudes and actions as revealed through workplace documentation, available training and resources, and institutional environments experienced by drama therapists in training and in the field across the United States and Canada. Results indicate that drama therapists continue to work in predominantly heteronormative and cisgender normative spaces. They confront specific barriers to implementing supportive and affirming care for LGBTQI and GNC individuals which are especially pronounced in K-12 schools, geriatric centres and inpatient mental health settings. This also has a negative impact on LGBTQI and GNC identified drama therapists working in these environments. Mechanisms through which these realities are given a voice remain a priority and may be facilitated through ongoing research, continuing education and courageous advocacy.
Outputs and Growth of Primary Care Databases in the United Kingdom: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Chaudhry Zain , Mannan Fahmida , Gibson-White Angela , Syed Usama , Ahmed Shirin , Kousoulis Antonis , Majeed Azeem
Published: October 2017

Background: Electronic health database (EHD) data is increasingly used by researchers. The major United Kingdom EHDs are the ‘Clinical Practice Research Datalink’ (CPRD), ‘The Health Improvement Network’ (THIN) and ‘QResearch’. Over time, outputs from these databases have increased, but have not been evaluated.Objective: This study compares research outputs from CPRD, THIN and QResearch assessing growth and publication outputs over a 10-year period (2004-2013). CPRD was also reviewed separately over 20 years as a case study.Methods:  Publications from CPRD and QResearch were extracted using the Science Citation Index (SCI) of the Thomson Scientific Institute for Scientific Information (Web of Science). THIN data was obtained from University College London and validated in Web of Science. All databases were analysed for growth in publications, the speciality areas and the journals in which their data have been published.Results: These databases collectively produced 1,296 publications over a ten-year period, with CPRD representing 63.6% (n=825 papers), THIN 30.4% (n=394) and QResearch 5.9% (n=77). Pharmacoepidemiology and General Medicine were the most common specialities featured. Over the 9-year period (2004-2013), publications for THIN and QResearch have slowly increased over time, whereas CPRD publications have increased substantially in last 4 years with almost 75% of CPRD publications published in the past 9 years.Conclusion: These databases are enhancing scientific research and are growing yearly, however display variability in their growth. They could become more powerful research tools if the National Health Service and general practitioners can provide accurate and comprehensive data for inclusion in these databases.
Hypoparathyroidism: disease update and new methods of treatment
Authors: Grebennikova Tatiana A. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Melnichenko Galina A.
Published: October 2017

Гипопаратиреоз характеризуется гипокальциемией при нормальном или низком уровне паратиреоидного гормона (ПТГ). ПТГ регулирует уровень кальция в крови, влияя на реабсорбцию кальция и фосфора в почках, а также витамин D-зависимое всасывание кальция из желудочно-кишечного тракта. Наиболее распространенной причиной гипопаратиреоза является повреждение околощитовидных желез в ходе хирургического вмешательства в области шеи, в основном по поводу заболеваний щитовидной железы. Стандартные методы лечения включают в себя назначение препаратов кальция и витамина D для поддержания уровня кальция на нижней границе референсного интервала с целью предупреждения гиперкальциурии. Однако в ряде случаев компенсация гипокальциемии требует использования высоких доз препаратов кальция и витамина D, что сопровождается выраженным колебанием уровня кальция крови, внескелетной кальцификацией и ухудшением функции почек. В настоящее время наиболее перспективным методом лечения гипопаратиреоза является заместительная терапия рекомбинантным человеческим ПТГ(1-84), который представляет собой полноразмерный ПТГ. ПТГ(1-84) способствует поддержанию стойкой нормокальциемии, улучшая качество жизни пациентов. Однако влияние ПТГ(1-84) на функцию почек, костный обмен и профилактику других осложнений гипопаратиреоза требует дальнейшего изучения.
Experience of diagnostics and surgical treatment primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Makarov Igor V. , Galkin Rudolf A. , Prokophyeva Natasha A. , Boltovskaja Viktoria A. , Romanov Roman M. , Hohlova Daria O.
Published: October 2017

Актуальность. Первичный гиперпаратиреоз (ПГПТ) в развитых странах рассматривается как третья эндокринная эпидемия, наряду с сахарным диабетом и заболеваниями щитовидной железы.
Материал и методы. Прооперировано 36 пациентов. Число женщин превышало и статистически значимо отличалось от числа мужчин и составило 81% (29 человек) (c2 = 26,89, р = 0,0000). Возраст больных колебался от 33 до 82 лет. У 17 пациентов была выявлена смешанная форма ПГПТ, у 10 – почечная и у 9 – костная форма.
Результаты. Легкая степень гиперкальциемии наблюдалась у 26 (72%) пациентов, средняя – у 4 (11%), тяжелая – у 6 (17%) пациентов. Значение медианы ионизированного кальция до операции у пациентов составляло 1,6 ммоль/л. Медиана паратгормона (ПТГ) до операции составляла 169,95 пг/мл. Тяжесть состояния пациентов с ПГПТ подтверждалась наличием гиперкальциемии, что проявлялось умеренной статистически значимой корреляцией показателя ионизированного кальция с уровнем ПТГ (r = 0,38, р = 0,02) и размерами аденомы (r = 0,48, р = 0,03). Для топической диагностики аденом мы выполняли не менее двух инструментальных методов исследования. Данные об аденоме околощитовижных желез (ОЩЖ) подтверждались при УЗИ и сцинтиграфии не более чем в 79 и 72%, при МРТ – в 88,2% случаев.
Всем пациентам удаляли одну-две аденомы ОЩЖ, всего было удалено 65 аденом. В 88% случаев (28 пациентов) отмечали в качестве сопутствующей патологию щитовидной железы, что требовало выполнения симультанных операций на этом органе. Медиана ионизированного кальция на следующий день после операции статистически значимо снижалась до 1,14 ммоль/л (уменьшение на 0,46 ммоль/л – 29%, р = 0,00001). Показатель ПТГ после операции значимо уменьшился до 70,45 пг/мл (снижение на 99,5 пг/мл – 58%, р = 0,00001).
Выводы. ПГПТ чаще встречается у женщин старше 50 лет. Сочетанные поражения щитовидной железы и ОЩЖ наблюдали в 88% случаев, что требует выполнения симультанных операций. В 81% случаев наблюдали более одной аденомы ОЩЖ. Для топической диагностики аденом ОЩЖ необходимо выполнение не менее двух инструментальных исследований. При оперативном лечении необходимо критично относиться к данным дооперационного исследования, иметь в виду возможность множественного поражения ОЩЖ, использовать правило симметричного расположения ОЩЖ.
Linearized elasticity as Mosco limit of finite elasticity in the presence of cracks
Authors: Gussmann Pascal , Mielke Alexander
Published: October 2017

The small-deformation limit of finite elasticity is considered in presence of a given crack. The rescaled finite energies with the constraint of global injectivity are shown to Γ-converge to the linearized elastic energy with a local constraint of non-interpenetration along the crack.
Finite energy solutions to inhomogeneous nonlinear elliptic equations with sub-natural growth terms
Authors: Seesanea Adisak , Verbitsky Igor E.
Published: October 2017

We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive finite energy solution to the inhomogeneous quasilinear elliptic equation

-

Δ
p

⁢
u

=

σ
⁢

u
q

+
μ

 

on 
⁢

ℝ
n

-\Delta_{p}u=\sigma u^{q}+\mu\quad\text{on }\mathbb{R}^{n}

in the sub-natural growth case

0
<
q
<

p
-
1

{0<q<p-1}

, where

Δ
p

{\Delta_{p}}

(

1
<
p
<
∞

{1<p<\infty}

) is the p-Laplacian, and σ, μ are positive Borel measures on

ℝ
n

{\mathbb{R}^{n}}

. Uniqueness of such a solution is established as well.
Similar inhomogeneous problems in the sublinear case

0
<
q
<
1

{0<q<1}

are treated for the fractional Laplace operator

(

-
Δ

)

α

{(-\Delta)^{\alpha}}

in place of

-

Δ
p

{-\Delta_{p}}

, on

ℝ
n

{\mathbb{R}^{n}}

for

0
<
α
<

n
2

{0<\alpha<\frac{n}{2}}

, and on an arbitrary domain

Ω
⊂

ℝ
n

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}}

with positive Green’s function in the classical case

α
=
1

{\alpha=1}

.
Validation of the Six Sigma Z-score for the quality assessment of clinical laboratory timeliness
Authors: Ialongo Cristiano , Bernardini Sergio
Published: October 2017

Background:

The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine has introduced in recent times the turnaround time (TAT) as mandatory quality indicator for the postanalytical phase. Classic TAT indicators, namely, average, median, 90th percentile and proportion of acceptable test (PAT), are in use since almost 40 years and to date represent the mainstay for gauging the laboratory timeliness. In this study, we investigated the performance of the Six Sigma Z-score, which was previously introduced as a device for the quantitative assessment of timeliness.

Methods:

A numerical simulation was obtained modeling the actual TAT data set using the log-logistic probability density function. Five thousand replicates for each size of the artificial TAT random sample (n=20, 50, 250 and 1000) were generated, and different laboratory conditions were simulated manipulating the PDF in order to generate more or less variable data. The Z-score and the classic TAT indicators were assessed for precision (%CV), robustness toward right-tailing (precision at different sample variability), sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

Z-score showed sensitivity and specificity comparable to PAT (≈80% with n≥250), but superior precision that ranged within 20% by moderately small sized samples (n≥50); furthermore, Z-score was less affected by the value of the cutoff used for setting the acceptable TAT, as well as by the sample variability that reflected into the magnitude of right-tailing.

Conclusions:

The Z-score was a valid indicator of laboratory timeliness and a suitable device to improve as well as to maintain the achieved quality level.
Strong impact on plasma protein profiles by precentrifugation delay but not by repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as analyzed using multiplex proximity extension assays
Authors: Shen Qiujin , Björkesten Johan , Galli Joakim , Ekman Daniel , Broberg John , Nordberg Niklas , Tillander Annika , Kamali-Moghaddam Masood , Tybring Gunnel , Landegren Ulf
Published: October 2017

Background

A number of factors regarding blood collection, handling and storage may affect sample quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact on plasma protein profiles by delayed centrifugation and plasma separation and multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Methods

Blood samples drawn from 16 healthy individuals were collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes and kept either at 4 °C or 22 °C for 1–36 h prior to centrifugation. Plasma samples prepared 1 h after venipuncture were also subjected to two to eight cycles of freezing at −80 °C and thawing at 22 °C. Multiplex proximity extension assay, an antibody-based protein assay, was used to investigate the influence on plasma proteins.

Results

Up to 36 h delay before blood centrifugation resulted in significant increases of 16 and 40 out of 139 detectable proteins in samples kept at 4 °C or 22 °C, respectively. Some increases became noticeable after 8 h delay at 4 °C but already after 1 h at 22 °C. For samples stored at 4 °C, epidermal growth factor (EGF), NF-kappa-B essential modulator, SRC, interleukin 16 and CD6 increased the most, whereas the five most significantly increased proteins after storage at 22 °C were CD40 antigen ligand (CD40-L), EGF, platelet-derived growth factor subunit B, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1). Only matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) decreased significantly over time and only after storage at 22 °C. No protein levels were found to be significantly affected by up to eight freeze-thaw cycles.

Conclusions

Plasma should be prepared from blood after a limited precentrifugation delay at a refrigerated temperature. By contrast, the influence by several freeze-thaw cycles on detectable protein levels in plasma was negligible.
Harmonic measure and Riesz transform in uniform and general domains
Authors: Mourgoglou Mihalis , Tolsa Xavier
Published: October 2017

Let

Ω
⊊

ℝ

n
+
1

{\Omega\subsetneq{\mathbb{R}}^{n+1}}

be open and let μ be some measure supported on

∂
⁡
Ω

{\partial\Omega}

such that

μ
⁢

(

B
⁢

(
x
,
r
)

)

≤

C
⁢

r
n

{\mu(B(x,r))\leq Cr^{n}}

for all

x
∈

ℝ

n
+
1

{x\in{\mathbb{R}}^{n+1}}

,

r
>
0

{r>0}

.
We show that if the harmonic measure in Ω satisfies
some scale invariant

A
∞

{A_{\infty}}

-type conditions with respect to μ, then the n-dimensional Riesz transform

ℛ
μ

⁢
f
⁢

(
x
)

=

∫

x
-
y

|

x
-
y

|

n
+
1

⁢
f
⁢

(
y
)

⁢

𝑑
μ

⁢

(
y
)

{\mathcal{R}}_{\mu}f(x)=\int\frac{x-y}{|x-y|^{n+1}}f(y)\,d\mu(y)

is bounded in

L
2

⁢

(
μ
)

{L^{2}(\mu)}

. We do not assume any doubling condition on μ. We also consider the particular case
when Ω is a bounded uniform domain. To this end, we need first to obtain sharp estimates that
relate the
harmonic measure and the Green function in this type of domains, which generalize classical results by Jerison and Kenig for the
well-known class of NTA domains.
Volume doubling, Poincaré inequality and Gaussian heat kernel estimate for non-negatively curved graphs
Authors: Horn Paul , Lin Yong , Liu Shuang , Yau Shing-Tung
Published: October 2017

Studying the heat semigroup, we prove Li–Yau-type estimates for bounded and positive solutions of the heat equation on graphs. These are proved under the assumption of the curvature-dimension inequality

CDE
′

⁢

(
n
,
0
)

{\mathrm{CDE}^{\prime}(n,0)}

, which can be considered as a notion of curvature for graphs. We further show that non-negatively curved graphs (that is, graphs satisfying

CDE
′

⁢

(
n
,
0
)

{\mathrm{CDE}^{\prime}(n,0)}

) also satisfy the volume doubling property. From this we prove a Gaussian estimate for the heat kernel, along with Poincaré and Harnack inequalities. As a consequence, we obtain that the dimension of the space of harmonic functions on graphs with polynomial growth is finite. In the Riemannian setting, this was originally a conjecture of Yau, which was proved in that context by Colding and Minicozzi. Under the assumption that a graph has positive curvature, we derive a Bonnet–Myers-type theorem. That is, we show the diameter of positively curved graphs is finite and bounded above in terms of the positive curvature. This is accomplished by proving some logarithmic Sobolev inequalities.
Cryptanalysis of a combinatorial public key cryptosystem
Authors: Roman’kov Vitaliĭ
Published: October 2017

We discuss pitfalls in the security of the combinatorial public key cryptosystem based on Nielsen transformations inspired by the ElGamal cryptosystem proposed by Fine, Moldenhauer and Rosenberger. We introduce three different types of attacks to possible combinatorial public key encryption schemes and apply these attacks to the scheme corresponding to the cryptosystem under discussion. As a result of our observation, we show that under some natural assumptions the scheme is vulnerable to at least one of the proposed attacks.
Mechanical properties of oriented bamboo scrimber boards made of Phyllostachys pubescens (moso bamboo) from Taiwan and China as a function of density
Authors: Chung Min-Jay , Wang Sheng-Yang
Published: October 2017

The properties of oriented bamboo scrimber boards (OBSB) have been investigated at three density levels (0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 g cm3), while the boards were made from moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) grown in Taiwan (T-OBSB) and China (C-OBSB). A non-destructive technique (NDT), ultrasonic-wave velocity (Vu
) measurements were applied and the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) was calculated. Moreover, static modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), profile density distribution, internal bond strength (IB), springback (SB), and dimensional stability were determined based on traditional methods. Positive linear relationships between density and Vu
, MOEdyn, MOE and MOR were observed, no matter if the measurements were done parallel (//) or perpendicular (⊥) to the fiber direction of the OBSBs. Moreover, Vu

(//), MOEdyn,u(//), MOE(//), and MOR(//) were higher than Vu

(⊥), MOEdyn,u(⊥), MOE(⊥) and MOR(⊥). C-OBSB had slightly lower Vu

(//),
Vu

(⊥), MOEdyn,u(//) and DMOEu(⊥) values than T-OBSB. T-OBSB had higher MOE(//), MOE(⊥) and MOR(//) than C-OBSB, but less MOR(⊥). The profile density distribution of high-density T-OBSB showed singnificant data scattering. The profile density distribution of C-OBSB was homogeneous at all density levels. IB and SB data are directly proportional to density, but water absorption, thickness swelling and volumetric swelling are inversely proportional to density. T-OBSB has better bonding and strength properties, and dimensional stability than C-OBSB.
Transient Stability Improvement of a System Connected with Wind Energy Generators
Authors: Reddy S. Surender , Prathipati Kishore , Lho Young Hwan
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a methodology to improve the transient stability (TS) of a system with wind energy generators. Induction machines are used widely as generators in the wind power plants. As these induction machines also have the stability problem like other synchronous machines, it is very important to analyze the TS of a system including the wind power plants. In this paper, the simulations and analysis of TS of power system including the induction generators during the short circuit fault conditions are carried out. The effect of pitch angle control on the stability of power system is analyzed. From the simulation results, it can be observed that the pitch control system which prevents the excess wind speed has the significant effect on the TS enhancement of the system. It can also be observed that the controller gain and time constant values have considerable effect on the pitch control system.
Pythagorean Hesitant Fuzzy Hamacher Aggregation Operators in Multiple-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Wei Guiwu , Lu Mao
Published: October 2017

The Hamacher product is a t-norm and the Hamacher sum is a t-conorm. They are good alternatives to the algebraic product and the algebraic sum, respectively. Nevertheless, it seems that most of the existing hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators are based on algebraic operations. In this paper, we utilize Hamacher operations to develop some Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators: Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher weighted average operator, Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher weighted geometric operator, Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher ordered weighted average operator, Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher ordered weighted geometric operator, Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher hybrid average operator, and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher hybrid geometric operator. The prominent characteristics of these proposed operators are studied. Then, we utilize these operators to develop some approaches for solving the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy multiple-attribute decision-making problems. Finally, a practical example is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Evaluation of Gain Spectrum of Silica-Based Single/Dual-Pumped Thulium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (TDFA) by Optimizing Its Physical and Pumping Parameters in the Scenario of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed Systems (DWDM)
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Singh Karamdeep , Devra Shivinder , Kaur Gagandeep , Singh Maninder Lal
Published: October 2017

Thulium-doped fiber amplifier is a very proficient broadband fiber amplifier in S-band. Silica-based TDFA is a popular choice due to some of its evident features such as non-toxic nature, easy splicing and simple assembling. In this work, we have simulated and optimized various TDFA’s physical and operational parameters in order to obtain required gain spectra at different channel spacings. Further, a comparative study has been carried out between single and dual-pumped TDFAs. By using dual pumping scheme (1040 nm and 1000 nm) as fundamental source of excitation, maximum gain of 23.31 dB has been achieved at 1468.8 nm in region spanning 1400 nm to 1470 nm wavelengths with noise figure of 3.72 dB.
Early-onset severe obesity due to complete deletion of the leptin gene in a boy
Authors: Ozsu Elif , Ceylaner Serdar , Onay Huseyin
Published: October 2017

Background:

Monogenic obesity results from single gene mutations. Extreme obesity starting at an early age, especially in infancy, which is associated with endocrinopathy and metabolic disturbances is key to the diagnosis of monogenic obesity.

Case presentation:

A 6-month-old boy was admitted to our clinic with severe obesity and food craving. He was born with a birth weight of 3400 g to first-cousin parents. He started to gain weight at an abnormal rate at the age of 2 months. He had hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia and grade 2 hepatosteatosis. He had a 7-year-old, healthy brother with a normal body weight. Because of severe early-onset obesity and abnormal food addiction, his leptin level was measured and found to be 0.55 ng/mL (normal range for his age and sex is 0.7–21 ng/mL). A

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, a gross deletion of the
Organometallic chemical biology: an organometallic approach to bioconjugation
Authors: Vinogradova Ekaterina V.
Published: October 2017

This review summarizes the history and recent developments of the field of organometallic chemical biology with a particular emphasis on the development of novel bioconjugation approaches. Over the years, numerous transformations have emerged for biomolecule modification with the use of organometallic reagents; these include [3+2] cycloadditions, C–C, C–S, C–N, and C–O bond forming processes, as well as metal-mediated deprotection (“decaging”) reactions. These conceptually new additions to the chemical biology toolkit highlight the potential of organometallic chemistry to make a significant impact in the field of chemical biology by providing further opportunities for the development of chemoselective, site-specific and spatially resolved methods for biomolecule structure and function manipulation. Examples of these transformations, as well as existing challenges and future prospects of this rapidly developing field are highlighted in this review.
Preprocessing Based Verification of Multiparty Protocols with Honest Majority
Authors: Laud Peeter , Pankova Alisa , Jagomägis Roman
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a generic “GMW-style” method for turning passively secure protocols into protocols secure against covert attacks, adding relatively cheap offline preprocessing and post-execution verification phases. Our construction performs best with a small number of parties, and its main benefit is the total cost of the online and the offline phases. In the preprocessing phase, each party generates and shares a sufficient amount of verified multiplication triples that will be later used to assist that party’s proof. The execution phase, after which the computed result is already available to the parties, has only negligible overhead that comes from signatures on sent messages. In the postprocessing phase, the verifiers repeat the computation of the prover in secret-shared manner, checking that they obtain the same messages that the prover sent out during execution. The verification preserves the privacy guarantees of the original protocol. It is applicable to protocols doing computations over finite rings, even if the same protocol performs its computation over several distinct rings. We apply our verification method to the Sharemind platform for secure multiparty computations (SMC), evaluate its performance and compare it to other existing SMC platforms offering security against stronger than passive attackers.
Why Privacy Is All But Forgotten
Authors: Coopamootoo Kovila P.L. , Groß Thomas
Published: October 2017

Privacy and sharing are believed to share a dynamic and dialectical tension, where individuals have competing needs to be both open and closed in contact with others [8]. Online, technology can impact this dynamic process [68]. Indeed, a number of researchers observed that users’ stated privacy attitude do not match their behavior [2, 3, 23, 30, 64, 81]. In these studies privacy attitude is compared with behavior via a number of concepts related to privacy. While it is known in psychology that attitudes are multidimensional constructs [10, 15, 76], the question arises whether the user ambivalence with regards to privacy is due to different or contradictory cognitive and affective components of privacy and sharing attitude.

We conducted an empirical study to investigate the difference between privacy attitude and sharing attitude. A US sample ofN= 60 MTurk workers was assigned to two groups and asked to describe in a 250-word free-form response what [privacy/sharing] online means for them. Responses were coded in quantitative content analysis. The presence and frequency of codes were compared across conditions. Emotions and relationships to other parties were evaluated as predictors for a discriminative logistic regression classifying both attitudes.

We found that privacy and sharing attitude differ significantly across a number of the extracted codes. Participants in privacy attitude were significantly more likely to express fear and significantly less likely to express happiness. For sharing attitude the reverse is true. We found that a discriminant logistic regression on a tone analysis of the participants’ responses offers excellent discrimination between privacy and sharing attitude. We cross-validated this classifier with another sample ofN′ = 54. The observed differences contribute an understanding of user states in privacy (and sharing) situations online and has implications for both privacy research and practice.
Two Is Not Enough: Privacy Assessment of Aggregation Schemes in Smart Metering
Authors: Buescher Niklas , Boukoros Spyros , Bauregger Stefan , Katzenbeisser Stefan
Published: October 2017

The widespread deployment of smart meters that frequently report energy consumption information, is a known threat to consumers’ privacy. Many promising privacy protection mechanisms based on secure aggregation schemes have been proposed. Even though these schemes are cryptographically secure, the energy provider has access to the plaintext aggregated power consumption. A privacy trade-off exists between the size of the aggregation scheme and the personal data that might be leaked, where smaller aggregation sizes leak more personal data. Recently, a UK industrial body has studied this privacy trade-off and identified that two smart meters forming an aggregate, are sufficient to achieve privacy. In this work, we challenge this study and investigate which aggregation sizes are sufficient to achieve privacy in the smart grid. Therefore, we propose a flexible, yet formal privacy metric using a cryptographic game based definition. Studying publicly-available, real world energy consumption datasets with various temporal resolutions, ranging from minutes to hourly intervals, we show that a typical household can be identified with very high probability. For example, we observe a 50% advantage over random guessing in identifying households for an aggregation size of 20 households with a 15-minutes reporting interval. Furthermore, our results indicate that single appliances can be identified with significant probability in aggregation sizes up to 10 households.
TagIt: Tagging Network Flows using Blind Fingerprints
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Houmansadr Amir
Published: October 2017

Flow fingerprinting is a mechanism for linking obfuscated network flows at large scale. In this paper, we introduce the firstblindflow fingerprinting system called TagIt. Our system works by modulating fingerprint signals into the timing patterns of network flows through slightly delaying packets into secret time intervals only known to the fingerprinting parties. We design TagIt to to enable reliable fingerprint extraction by legitimate fingerprinting parties despite natural network noise, but invisible to an adversary who does not possess the secret fingerprinting key. TagIt makes use of randomization to resist various detection attacks such as multi-flow attacks. We evaluate the performance and invisibility of TagIt through theoretical analysis as well as simulations and experimentation on live network flows.
Provably Secure Anonymous-yet-Accountable Crowdsensing with Scalable Sublinear Revocation
Authors: Rahaman Sazzadur , Cheng Long , Yao Danfeng Daphne , Li He , Park Jung-Min Jerry
Published: October 2017

Group signature schemes enable anonymous-yet-accountable communications. Such a capability is extremely useful for applications, such as smartphone-based crowdsensing and citizen science. However, the performance of modern group signature schemes is still inadequate to manage large dynamic groups. In this paper, we design the first provably secure verifier-local revocation (VLR) - based group signature scheme that supports sublinear revocation, named Sublinear Revocation with Backward unlinkability and Exculpability (SRBE). To achieve this performance gain, SRBE introduces time bound pseudonyms for the signer. By introducing low-cost short-lived pseudonyms with sublinear revocation checking, SRBE drastically improves the efficiency of the group-signature primitive. The backward-unlinkable anonymity of SRBE guarantees that even after the revocation of a signer, her previously generated signatures remain unlinkable across epochs. This behavior favors the dynamic nature of real-world crowdsensing settings. We prove its security and discuss parameters that influence its scalability. Using SRBE, we also implement a prototype named GroupSense for anonymous-yet-accountable crowdsensing, where our experimental findings confirm GroupSense’s scalability. We point out the open problems remaining in this space.
Blended synchronous learning environment: Student perspectives
Authors: Conklina Sheri , Oyarzun Beth , Barreto Daisyane
Published: October 2017

Distance education environments can take many forms, from asynchronous to blended synchronous environments. Blended synchronous learning environment (BSLE) can be defined as an innovative setting in which students can decide to attend classes either face-to-face or via a synchronous virtual connection. Many educators are unfamiliar teaching in BSLE because of lack of experience or exposure to this delivery method. Thus, it is important to understand the optimal organisational structures and the effective management of BSLE courses to facilitate student learning and interaction. Seeking to understand this teaching method, an exploratory mixed-method study was conducted to examine graduate students’ perceptions of the BSLE. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a questionnaire and analysed. The findings revealed that students were satisfied with the BSLE, interactions, and the instructor. However, findings showed that the instructor divided attention between face-to-face and online synchronous students, which can cause cognitive overload and compromise the quality of instruction. Additionally, this study suggests that technical difficulties can affect students’ satisfaction with BSLE courses. Implications for further research and limitations are discussed.
Improving flame-retardant, thermal, and mechanical properties of an epoxy using halogen-free fillers
Authors: Riahipour Ramin , Alizadeh Sahraei Abolfazl , van de Werken Nekoda , Tehrani Mehran , Abrinia Karen , Baniassadi Majid
Published: October 2017

Various nano- and micro-sized fillers can be integrated into polymers to enhance their flame-retardant performance. In this work, a diglycidyl-ether bisphenol A epoxy was used as the matrix and nanostructured silica aerogel (AG) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) microparticles were investigated as fillers to improve the flame-retardant and thermal properties of the epoxy. The anti-flame, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated for different volume fractions of filler particles. It was found that APP decreased the burning rate while significantly improving the thermal stability. To investigate the flame resistant properties of combined AG and APP, an optimized ratio of AG and APP was added to the epoxy, leading to a stable flame-retardant epoxy with a low thermal conductivity and improved glass transition temperature (T
g). The synergy between the AG and APP in composite samples resulted in an interesting burning behavior where sample core was relatively less deteriorated compared with the samples containing only APP or AG. This was attributed to the decrease of thermal conductivity due to the addition of AG. Lastly, samples containing APP showed the highest limiting oxygen index percentage and it was found that only small amounts of APP are required to make the epoxy flame-retardant.
I-SSR Markers Revealed Inconsistent Phylogeographic Patterns among Populations of Japanese Red Pines in Korea
Authors: Hong Y.-P. , Kwon H.-Y. , Kim I.-S.
Published: October 2017

To monitor the level and distribution pattern of genetic diversity in countrywide populations of Japanese red pines in Korea, 80 I-SSR variants were analyzed from 192 individuals in 11 populations. The previously reported data, obtained from the 8 populations of this species, were incorporated into the estimation of the population genetic statistics. Relatively higher level of genetic diversity was observed in 19 populations of Japanese red pines (mean of 0.453) than those in other tree species. From the results of AMOVA, majority of genetic diversity (92%) was allocated within populations, which brought about the moderate degree of population differentiation (ϕST= 0.08). Two genetic groups were observed from the dendrogram reconstructed by UPGMA. Overall correlation between genetic relationships and geographic affinity was inconsistent among the 19 populations. Some probable genetic disturbances, induced by either human interference or the natural process of regeneration for the species after devastation, might be responsible for the discrepancy between genetic relationships and geographical distribution of the populations. These results suggested that simple geographic or ecological grouping might not represent the genetic zone of the Korean populations of Japanese red pines, and that more careful approach should be made for designating in situ gene conservation of this species in Korea.
Identification of AFLP Markers Associated with Embryonic Root Development in Populus tomentosa Carr
Authors: Zhang D. , Zhang Z. , Yang K.
Published: October 2017

Embryonic root (radicle) development in the mature embryo following germination is essential for the formation of the root organ in plants. In this study a phenotype described by a lack of proper radicle development was identified in an intraspecific hybrid of Populus tomentosa Carr.. Association of this trait with Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) markers was investigated in a segregating F1population generated by intraspecific-controlled crossing between a highly fertile female P. tomentosa clone “5082” and a male P. tomentosa clone “JY”. A total of 3193 seeds were obtained, and the rate of germination found to be 48.74% at 15 to 20 days. 376 (24%) of seedlings were shown to lack a root organ following visual assessment of the developing radicle. Genetic regulation of this trait appeared to be via a single dominant gene or a set of tightly linked genes, based on the 3:1 ratio of the rooting versus nonrooting seed embryos. A Bulked Segregant Analysis approach using 5600 AFLP markers was applied to this population and revealed 2 AFLP markers, EcoRI +GAG/ Mse I +AAT-492 and EcoRI +GAG/Mse I +CCA-502, that were associated with the radicle development-controlling locus in P. tomentosa. The AFLP markers identified have potential for application in hybrid breeding via marker assisted selection, and provide a starting point for map based cloning of the radical development-controlling gene.
A Study of Population Variation and Inheritance in Sitka Spruce
Authors: Lee S. J. , Woolliams J. , Samuel C. J. A. , Malcolm D. C.
Published: October 2017

This study investigated the potential benefits to a tree breeding programme of selection based on height in the original ortet population, and on diameter and wood density of grafted-ramets representing the same ortets growing in a clone bank. The trees studied were a large, randomly selected same-aged population of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) individuals of known origin growing on a single site in North-West Scotland. Estimates of correlated response indicated the value of including ortet height when adjusted for an environmental variable (in this case height above sea level), and grafted-ramet wood density and diameter in the estimation of breeding values. A selection intensity of 1 in 20 for height amongst ortets in the forest or grafted-ramets in the clone bank each gave a correlated increase in mid-rotation diameter of around 6% in the next generation. A similar selection intensity for wood density in the grafted-ramet population would give a 15% increase of wood density in the next generation. The study indicates worthwhile gain can be achieved at the stage of plus-tree selection when moderate single tree heritability is combined with sufficiently high selection intensity.
The Genetic Structure of Sorocea bonplandii in Southern Brazilian Forest Fragments: AFLP Diversity
Authors: Ruschel A. R. , Nodari R. O. , Moerschbacher B. M.
Published: October 2017

To analyse possible genetic erosion due to fragmentation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest ecosystem, we investigated the genetic diversity within and among one large and six small populations of one of the key species of this ecosystem, Sorocea bonplandii, using AFLP analyses of 468 plants. Eight primer pairs yielded 299 polymorphic fragments for analysis. S. bonplandii was characterized by an unusually high genetic diversity within the species and also within individual populations, around 94% of the total genetic diversity occurred within populations. Genetic distances between populations were low in spite of extensive fragmentation. Genetic distance was significantly correlated with geographical distances between fragments, but these differences may have existed before fragmentation. Our results have direct implications for sustainable management of S. bonplandii, indicating that conservation strategies might be based on a random sample of trees taken throughout the Atlantic forest. However, the minimum population size required for maintaining the huge genetic diversity of this species is unknown. In order to establish a sustainable management plan for the species, further ecological studies are needed.
Results of an International Provenance Trial of Cordia alliodora in São Paulo, Brazil at Five and 23 Years of Age
Authors: Sebbenn A. M. , Boshier D. H. , Freitas M. L. M. , Zanatto A. C. S. , Sato A. S. , Ettori L. C. , Moraes E.
Published: October 2017

Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Oken (Boraginaceae) is a tropical timber tree of great economic value that occurs in Latin America and through most of the Caribbean. Genetic variation in growth, form and survival of eight Central America provenances - five from a dry zone and three from a wet zone - were studied five and 23 years after establishment in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Significant differences between dry and wet zone provenances were detected for diameter at breast height (d.b.h.), stem form and survival and between provenances within these zones for height, d.b.h., volume and survival. Provenances from the dry zone had higher growth rates than those from the wet zone. Genetic correlations among ages for these traits were positive but not significant, while ranking of provenances based on growth and survival changed significantly from five to 23 years of age, indicating that measuring traits at five years of age may not be a good predictor of the same traits at 23 years of age. Genetic correlations on growth traits measured at the same age were large and significant, suggesting substantial gains could be made through indirect trait selection. At 23 years of age the La Fortuna provenance performed best for all traits, while Nueva Guinea performed worst for growth traits and survival and Tres Piedras for stem form. The species’ poor growth compared to that of other tropical tree species at the same experimental site suggests that C. alliodora is not the best silvicultural option for the Luiz Antonio region.
Swiss Stone Pine Provenance Experiment in Romania: II Variation in Growth and Branching Traits to Age 14
Authors: Blada I. , Popescu F.
Published: October 2017

After the nursery testing, twelve Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) provenances from the Alps and Carpathian Mountains were planted out at two sites located at high elevation in the Southern and Northern Carpathians. Total height growth (H), annual height growth (h), root collar diameter (RCD), branches per whorl (BW) and survival (SV) were measured and analyzed. Analysis of variance showed highly significant (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) differences between provenances for all traits, except survival, suggesting that selection at the provenance level could be possible. Also, over locations analysis revealed significant genotype x environment interaction, demonstrating that some provenances react differently to environmental conditions and, selection should take this into account. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was moderate for growth and high for number of branches per whorl suggesting that selection within provenance can also be applied. Finding of significant and highly significant age-age and trait-trait phenotypic correlations indicated that early and indirect selection in Swiss stone pine species is possible. According to DUNCAN’s multiple range test the best performing provenances of the two mountain ranges were selected for operational planting and breeding programmes. The results of this study validate that a very slow growing species, such as Swiss stone pine may still possess very high genetic variation in growth rate; consequently, this trait can be improved. Finally, an attempt has been made to develop a seed transfer guidelines for the species by using the pattern of geographic variation as a basis.
Comparative Analysis of Karyotypes from the Strezelecki Ranges Race of the Complex Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ssp. globulus (Myrtaceae) and a Population in Central-Southern Chile
Authors: Espejo Cardemil J. , Baeza Perry C.
Published: October 2017

This study presents information on karyotypes of the Strezelecki Ranges race, referred to in previous studies as Jeerelangs (Victoria, Australia), of the complex Eucalyptus globulus. ssp globulus and another from Central- Southern Chile (Contulmo). The chromosomes counted (2n = 22) are fairly small-sized and found within the size ranges reported by other authors. The chromosome measurements, done with the Micromeasure program, indicate that the Strezelecki Ranges lineage has a relatively large genome (Total Chromosome Length = 8.94%) as compared to measurements of local lineages (Chile). This could be explained by genetic recombinations resulting from the successive hybridizations reported for this race. The data obtained for both lineages reveal a set of markedly metacentric chromosomes with a centromeric index between 0.44 and 0.46.