bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secure multi‐factor remote user authentication scheme for Internet of Things environments
Authors: Dhillon Parwinder Kaur , Kalra Sheetal 
Published: April 2017

SummaryBecause of the exponential growth of Internet of Things (IoT), several services are being developed. These services can be accessed through smart gadgets by the user at any place, every time and anywhere. This makes security and privacy central to IoT environments. In this paper, we propose a lightweight, robust, and multi‐factor remote user authentication and key agreement scheme for IoT environments. Using this protocol, any authorized user can access and gather real‐time sensor data from the IoT nodes. Before gaining access to any IoT node, the user must first get authenticated by the gateway node as well as the IoT node. The proposed protocol is based on XOR and hash operations, and includes: (i) a 3‐factor authentication (ie, password, biometrics, and smart device); (ii) mutual authentication; (iii) shared session key; and (iv) key freshness. It satisfies desirable security attributes and maintains acceptable efficiency in terms of the computational overheads for resource constrained IoT environment. Further, the informal and formal security analysis using AVISPA proves security strength of the protocol and its robustness against all possible security threats. Simulation results also prove that the scheme is secure against attacks.
Response of biofilm growth to experimental warming in a temperate stream
Authors: Delgado Cristina , Almeida Salomé F.P. , Elias Carmen L. , Ferreira Verónica , Canhoto Cristina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBiofilm is an important component of small streams, and it is highly sensitive to variations in water temperature. Therefore, it is expectable that the warming predicted for this century will be reflected in its communities. In this study, we investigated the effects of experimental warming on biofilm growth in a small forest stream in Central Portugal. The stream was longitudinally divided in two halves, both at ambient temperature during ambient period; the following months (warmed period), one stream half remained at ambient temperature (control half) and the other half was experimentally warmed by ~3 °C (experimental half), following a before‐after control‐impact design. Biofilm variables (biomass, chlorophyll‐a and chlorophyll‐c concentrations, autotrophic index, and diatom density) were determined from epilithic samples collected from both stream halves three times during the ambient period and five times during the warmed period. The experimental warming led to a significant increase in biomass, chlorophyll‐a, chlorophyll‐c concentration, and diatom density, especially in the winter months. Future warming, especially during the colder months, may thus stimulate biofilm growth, which may strengthen the autotrophic pathways of these systems traditionally based on detritus.
Enhancing the Magnetic Heating Capacity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles through Their Postproduction Incorporation into Iron Oxide–Gold Nanocomposites
Authors: Bell Gavin , Bogart Lara K. , Southern Paul , Olivo Malini , Pankhurst Quentin A. , Parkin Ivan P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Ivan P. Parkin and Quentin A. Pankhurst from University College London, UK, in collaboration with Malini Olivo from A*STAR Singapore Bioimaging Consortium. The cover image shows how nanocomposite particles heat up as a result of magnetic hyperthermia when an external magnetic field is applied.
Investigation of the Cofiring of Methane and Biosyngas for Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Generation with Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Li Wenshu , Shen Jianfei , Zhang Ge 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA new chemical looping combustion (CLC) of biosyngas and methane in a system with combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) is presented. The aim of the integration of CLC into the CCHP system is to obtain zero CO2 emissions and to reduce exergy destruction within the combustion process. With the increase in the biomass‐to‐methane mass ratio from 0 to 1 (referred to as 100 %), the total energy output increases from 637.17 to 746.62 kW, and there is a simultaneous reduction of both the energy and exergy efficiencies from 91.70 to 82.10 % and from 43.32 to 37.84 %, respectively. However, the primary energy savings ratio benefits from an increase of the biomass mass ratio (from 0 to 1) and increases from 42.80 to 46.36 %. Furthermore, a conventional CCHP system is developed and simulated for comparison. To discuss the feasibility of this process, the effect of the gas conversion ratio in the CLC system on the overall efficiency was analyzed and the autothermal operation strategy of CLC was considered.
Anthropogenic influences on groundwater in the vicinity of a long‐lived radioactive waste repository
Authors: Thomas Matthew A. , Kuhlman Kristopher L. , Ward Anderson L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe groundwater flow system in the Culebra Dolomite Member (Culebra) of the Permian Rustler Formation is a potential radionuclide release pathway from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the only deep geological repository for transuranic waste in the United States. In early conceptual models of the Culebra, groundwater levels were not expected to fluctuate markedly, except in response to long‐term climatic changes, with response times on the order of hundreds to thousands of years. Recent groundwater pressures measured in monitoring wells record more than 25 m of drawdown. The fluctuations are attributed to pumping activities at a privately owned well that may be associated with the demand of the Permian Basin hydrocarbon industry for water. The unprecedented magnitude of drawdown provides an opportunity to quantitatively assess the influence of unplanned anthropogenic forcings near the WIPP. Spatially variable realizations of Culebra saturated hydraulic conductivity and specific storage were used to develop groundwater flow models to estimate a pumping rate for the private well and investigate its effect on advective transport. Simulated drawdown shows reasonable agreement with observations (average Model Efficiency coefficient = 0.7). Steepened hydraulic gradients associated with the pumping reduce estimates of conservative particle travel times across the domain by one half and shift the intersection of the average particle track with the compliance boundary by more than 2 km. The value of the transient simulations conducted for this study lies in their ability to (a) improve understanding of the Culebra groundwater flow system and (b) challenge the notion of time‐invariant land use in the vicinity of the WIPP.
Fractal characteristics of the microvascular network: A useful index to assess vascularization level of porous silk fibroin biomaterial
Authors: Zhan Kuihua , Bai Lun , Wu Qinqin , Lei Derong , Wang Guangqian 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe neovascularization of biomaterials for tissue engineering is not only related to growth of capillaries but also involves appropriate hierarchy distribution of the microvessels. In this study, we proposed hierarchy distribution contrast method which can assess vascular transport capacity, in order to examine the hierarchy distribution of the neovessels during vascularization of the porous silk fibroin biomaterials implanted into rats and its evolution. The results showed that the fractal characteristics appeared toward the end of the vascularization stages, and the structure of the microvascular network after 3 weeks of implantation was similar to the fractal microvascular tree with bifurcation exponent x = 3 and fractal dimension D = 1.46, which became a sign of maturation of the regenerative vasculature. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2276–2290, 2017.
Fabrication and characterization of chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and cellulose nanowhiskers nanocomposite films for wound healing drug delivery application
Authors: Hasan Abshar , Waibhaw Gyan , Tiwari Sakshi , Dharmalingam K. , Shukla I. , Pandey Lalit M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study describes the preparation of composite film using chitosan (CS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with incorporated cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) for drug delivery application. CNWs were prepared by acid hydrolysis of cellulose with sulfuric acid. Field emission scanning electron microscopy studies revealed nanofibrous morphology of CNWs with 20–30 nm diameter and 200–250 nm in length. X‐ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed highly crystalline nature of CNWs with 92.81% crystallinity. Incorporation of CNWs enhanced the thermal and mechanical properties of films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data showed physical interactions between polymer‐polymer and polymer‐drug. Films prepared with CNWs showed improved swelling behavior which resulted in sustained drug release from polymeric matrix. In vitro curcumin release data were fitted with two‐step release model; Step 1 as desorption from the outer surface of the film, and Step 2 as diffusion from within the film and subsequent desorption. The release kinetics confirmed biphasic release profile with different release rates along with diffusion controlled curcumin release. Prepared films showed high biocompatibility with excellent antibacterial activities. Overall, the performed studies confirmed CS–PVP–CNWs based release system can as a potential candidate for wound dressing applications with sustained drug release. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2391–2404, 2017.
Serum free light chain quantitative assays: Dilemma of a biomarker
Authors: Cigliana Giovanni , Gulli Francesca , Napodano Cecilia , Pocino Krizia , De Santis Elena , Colacicco Luigi , Cordone Iole , Conti Laura , Basile Umberto 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundSerum free light chains detection assays are consistently meeting greater interest for the diagnosis and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies and plasma cell dyscrasias. Nowadays, there are neither standardized methods nor reference material for the determination of free light chains; for this reason, it is important to compare two different assays used in clinical laboratory.MethodsWe evaluated 300 serum samples from patients with B‐cell disorders and compared the analytical performances of both assay. Each test was assayed on both testing platforms (Siemens Dade Behring BN II Nephelometer and SPAPLUS by The Binding Site). κ/λ ratios were determined and compared. Results were analyzed by Passing‐Bablok and Bland‐Altman plots to evaluate comparability of the two techniques and to determine bias.ResultsThe reproducibility of both assays is acceptable, reaching minimum and desirable analytical goals derived from biological variability. However, values are not interchangeable between systems. This study shows that the two systems do not allow results to be transferred from one method to the other even if they display good agreement.ConclusionOur study highlights the importance of elaborating an international standard for free light chains quantification in order to offer homogeneous results as well as guarantee harmonization of values among laboratories. Moreover, the assays should be validated in specific patient groups to determine that they are clinically fit for purpose.
Comprehensive identification and structural characterization of target components from Gelsemium elegans by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry based on accurate mass databases combined with MS/MS spectra
Authors: Liu Yan‐Chun , Xiao Sa , Yang Kun , Ling Li , Sun Zhi‐Liang , Liu Zhao‐Ying 
Published: April 2017

This study reports an applicable analytical strategy of comprehensive identification and structure characterization of target components from Gelsemium elegans by using high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QqTOF MS) based on the use of accurate mass databases combined with MS/MS spectra. The databases created included accurate masses and elemental compositions of 204 components from Gelsemium and their structural data. The accurate MS and MS/MS spectra were acquired through data‐dependent auto MS/MS mode followed by an extraction of the potential compounds from the LC‐QqTOF MS raw data of the sample. The same was matched using the databases to search for targeted components in the sample. The structures for detected components were tentatively characterized by manually interpreting the accurate MS/MS spectra for the first time. A total of 57 components have been successfully detected and structurally characterized from the crude extracts of G. elegans, but has failed to differentiate some isomers. This analytical strategy is generic and efficient, avoids isolation and purification procedures, enables a comprehensive structure characterization of target components of Gelsemium and would be widely applicable for complicated mixtures that are derived from Gelsemium preparations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of climate change on mid‐twenty‐first‐century rainfall in Ireland: a high‐resolution regional climate model ensemble approach
Authors: Nolan Paul , O'Sullivan John , McGrath Ray 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe impacts of climate change on precipitation over Ireland are assessed for the mid‐century period 2041–2060 using an ensemble of downscaled climate simulations, based on medium‐to‐low and high emission scenarios. Results show significant projected decreases in mean annual, spring and summer precipitation amounts by mid‐century. The projected decreases are largest for summer, with reductions ranging from 0 to 13% and from 3 to 20% for the medium‐to‐low and high emission scenarios, respectively. The frequencies of heavy precipitation events show notable increases of approximately 20% during the winter and autumn months. The number of extended dry periods is projected to increase substantially by mid‐century during autumn and summer. The projected increases in dry periods are largest for summer, with values ranging from 12 to 40% for both emission scenarios. Regional variations of projected precipitation change remain statistically elusive.
Screening endoscopy finds high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal metaplasia in Korean American with limited access to health care
Authors: Woo Yanghee , Behrendt Carolyn E. , Trapp Garrick , Hyun Jae Geun , Gonda Tamas , Fong Yuman , Wang Timothy 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of cancer death among Korean Americans. Prevention and early detection is improved by screening.MethodsBetween September 2013 and March 2015, ethnic Koreans age 40 or older without history or symptoms of GC and without upper endoscopy (UE) during previous 3 years were enrolled. Participants were offered screening with GC risk assessment followed by UE with biopsies.ResultsRisk assessment was provided to 146 participants (age 55.6 ± 8.3 years; 52.1% female; 92.5% uninsured), of whom 99 (67.8%) returned for UE. Undergoing UE was independently associated with family history of GC (OR 12.33, 95% CI:1.52‐100.17), being a former smoker (6.68,1.42‐31.32), and Hp‐negative status (0.25,0.11‐0.57). Among UE recipients, half (49.5%) had intestinal metaplasia (IM) only (n = 24), Hp only (n = 12), or both (n = 13). No case of GC was found. Adjusted for age, IM was independently associated with male sex (2.89,1.12‐7.42), current Hp (2.90,0.99‐8.51), unmarried status (single or divorced) (4.23,1.23‐14.56).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of risk factors associated with gastric carcinogenesis including Hp infection and IM exists in Korean Americans who underwent upper endoscopic screening. Acceptance of GC screening is informed by personal risk factors. These findings support the need to improve access to screening UE among KAs.
Dynamic nuclear polarization studies on deuterated nitroxyl spin probes
Authors: David Jebaraj D. , Utsumi Hideo , Milton Franklin Benial A. 
Published: April 2017

Detailed dynamic nuclear polarization and electron spin resonance studies were carried out for 3‐carbamoyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidine‐1‐oxyl, 3‐carboxy‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidine‐1‐oxyl,3‐methoxycarbonyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethy pyrolidine‐1‐oxyl nitroxyl radicals and their corresponding deuterated nitroxyl radicals, used in Overhauser‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the first time. The dynamic nuclear polarization parameters such as dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) factor, longitudinal relaxivity, saturation parameter, leakage factor and coupling factor were estimated for deuterated nitroxyl radicals. DNP enhancement increases with agent concentration up to 3 mm and decreases above 3 mm. The proton spin–lattice relaxation time and the longitudinal relaxivity parameters were estimated. The leakage factor increases with increasing agent concentration up to 3 mm and reaches plateau in the region 3–5 mm. The coupling parameter shows the interaction between the electron and nuclear spins to be mainly dipolar in origin. DNP spectrum exhibits that the full width at half maximum values are higher for undeuterated nitroxyl radicals compared with deuterated nitroxyl radicals, which leads to the increase in DNP enhancement. The ESR parameters such as, the line width, line shape, signal intensity ratio, rotational correlation time, hyperfine coupling constant and g‐factor were calculated. The narrow line width was observed for deuterated nitroxyl radicals compared with undeuterated nitroxyl radicals, which leads to the higher saturation parameter value and DNP enhancement. The novelty of the work permits clear understanding of the DNP parameters determining the higher DNP enhancement compared with the undeuterated nitroxyl radicals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does lower urinary tract dysfunction affect sexual function in men and women? ICI‐RS 2015—Part 1
Authors: Rantell Angie , Apostolidis Apostolos , Anding Ralf , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Cardozo Linda 
Published: April 2017

AimThe aim of this paper is to review the literature on the effect of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on sexual function and dysfunction.MethodsAt the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) in 2015, a multidisciplinary group presented a literature search of what is known about the effect of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) on sexual function (SF) in men and women. Wider discussions regarding knowledge gaps and ideal research methodology ensued.ResultsA body of evidence supports associations between LUTS/urinary incontinence on SF in both men and women, but the true prevalence of the impact of LUTD on SF remains largely unknown. There is still reluctance among health care professionals (HCP's) to discuss SF with patients and often patients who are not asked will not volunteer their problems.ConclusionA significant knowledge gap in this area remains. Education among HCP's on assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction and communication skills are essential to encourage, and engage patients with HCP's. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:949–952, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can a patient reported outcome be adequate without assessing quality of life in lower urinary tract dysfunction?
Authors: Cotterill Nikki , Tubaro Andrea 
Published: April 2017

AIMS AND METHODSA think tank was convened at the sixth ICI‐RS meeting held in the United Kingdom on September 2015, to consider the adequacy of patient reported outcome (PRO) measurement if quality of life (QoL) evaluation were excluded. Rigorous methodology is proposed for the development of PROs and much is written about this process but the necessity for QoL inclusion is rarely discussed. The decision was therefore taken to consider what QoL evaluation provides and what these data provide.RESULTSDiscussions highlighted the need to question our aim for including QoL evaluation in clinical practice and research, in order to ensure its necessity for the intended purpose. Improved understanding of the usefulness of QoL data, in particular in relation to important health indicators was also identified as an area of unmet need.CONCLUSIONSThe think tank ended with a collaborative research proposal to pool existing QoL databases to explore the correlations with other outcome measures and types of associations present. It was suggested that these findings would enable clinicians and researchers to make more informed decisions regarding PRO selection, use, and intepretation.
Learning ensemble strategy for static and dynamic localization in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ahmadi Hanen , Viani Federico , Polo Alessandro , Bouallegue Ridha 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIndoor localization in wireless sensor networks is a challenging task. Static localization and moving target monitoring are addressed using ensemble learning method and received signal strength indicator. The suggested strategy combines several regression trees to have better performance. This solution has been experimentally evaluated using real measurements in an office room. The performance results have been analyzed through a comparison with learning‐based localization algorithms currently available in the literature. The analysis shows that the adopted solution is simple in term of computation, accurate and robust to environmental variation.
Fast and Simple Discriminative Analysis of Anthocyanins‐Containing Berries Using LC/MS Spectral Data
Authors: Yang Heejung , Kim Hyun Woo , Kwon Yong Soo , Kim Ho Kyong , Sung Sang Hyun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionAnthocyanins are potent antioxidant agents that protect against many degenerative diseases; however, they are unstable because they are vulnerable to external stimuli including temperature, pH and light. This vulnerability hinders the quality control of anthocyanin‐containing berries using classical high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical methodologies based on UV or MS chromatograms.ObjectiveTo develop an alternative approach for the quality assessment and discrimination of anthocyanin‐containing berries, we used MS spectral data acquired in a short analytical time rather than UV or MS chromatograms.MethodMixtures of anthocyanins were separated from other components in a short gradient time (5 min) due to their higher polarity, and the representative MS spectrum was acquired from the MS chromatogram corresponding to the mixture of anthocyanins.ResultsThe chemometric data from the representative MS spectra contained reliable information for the identification and relative quantification of anthocyanins in berries with good precision and accuracy.ConclusionThis fast and simple methodology, which consists of a simple sample preparation method and short gradient analysis, could be applied to reliably discriminate the species and geographical origins of different anthocyanin‐containing berries. These features make the technique useful for the food industry. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.