bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing secure two‐party computation as a black box
Authors: Carter Henry , Mood Benjamin , Traynor Patrick , Butler Kevin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSecure multiparty computation (SMC) offers a technique to preserve functionality and data privacy in mobile applications. Current protocols that make this costly cryptographic construction feasible on mobile devices securely outsource the bulk of the computation to a cloud provider. However, these outsourcing techniques are built on specific secure computation assumptions and tools, and applying new SMC ideas to the outsourced setting requires the protocols to be completely rebuilt and proven secure. In this work, we develop a generic technique for lifting any secure two‐party computation protocol into an outsourced two‐party SMC protocol. By augmenting the function being evaluated with auxiliary consistency checks and input values, we can create an outsourced protocol with low overhead cost. Our implementation and evaluation show that in the best case our outsourcing additions execute within the confidence intervals of two servers running the same computation and consume approximately the same bandwidth. In addition, the mobile device itself uses minimal bandwidth over a single round of communication. This work demonstrates that efficient outsourcing is possible with any underlying SMC scheme and provides an outsourcing protocol that is efficient and directly applicable to current and future SMC techniques. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional herbal (kampo) medicine for musculoskeletal symptoms in menopausal women
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Harada Naoyuki , Yamamoto Kanoko , Tatsumi Takeshi 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
CaseTraditional herbal (kampo) medicine has been used since ancient times to treat various types of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this report was to describe the successful treatment of menopausal musculoskeletal symptoms (MMS) with kampo medicine, and to discuss its application to MMS. We observed the clinical course of three patients with MMS using kampo medicines: keishikaryojutsubuto and boiogito, or keishikaryojutsubuto alone.OutcomeThe three female patients (average age, 52.3 years; range, 50–54 years) did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for any rheumatic or connective tissue diseases involving joint or muscle pain. They were diagnosed with MMS based on clinical feature. The kampo treatment ameliorated arthralgia, myalgia, and stiffness in the hands, markedly improving quality of life.ConclusionKampo medicine is safe, and useful as an additional treatment for MMS, in the field of rheumatology, in addition to primary health care.
Toxicological evaluation of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate in rats following 28 days of repeated oral exposure
Authors: Qin Guangqiu , Tang Song , Li Shibin , Lu Haoliang , Wang Yanwu , Zhao Peng , Li Bin , Zhang Jiehong , Peng Liang 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe increasing application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been raising concerns about their potential adverse effects to human and the environment. However, the knowledge on the systemic toxicity of AgNPs in mammalian systems is still limited. The present study investigated the toxicity of PVP‐coated AgNPs in rats treated with repeated oral administration, and compared that with equivalent dose of AgNO3. Specifically, one hundred male and female rats were orally administrated with particulate or ionic forms of silver (Ag) separately at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg kg−1 body weight daily for 28 days. The results reveal no significant toxic effects of AgNPs and AgNO3 up to 1 mg kg−1 body weight, with respect to the body weight, organ weight, food intake, and histopathological examination. Ag distribution pattern in organs of rats treated with AgNPs was similar to that of AgNO3 treated rats, showing liver and kidneys are the main target organs followed by testis and spleen. The total Ag contents in organs were significantly lower in the AgNPs treated rats than those in the AgNO3 treated rats. However, the comparisons between AgNPs and AgNO3 treatments further indicated more potent of AgNPs in biochemical and hematological parameters in rats, including red blood cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Results of this study suggested that particulate Ag at least partially contributed to the observed toxicity of AgNPs, and both ionic and particulate Ag should be taken into consideration in toxicological evaluation of AgNPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 609–618, 2017.
Models of visual categorization
Authors: Serre Thomas 
Published: March 2016

Visual categorization refers to our ability to organize objects and visual scenes into discrete categories. It is an essential skill as it allows us to distinguish friend from foe or edible versus poisonous food. Understanding how the visual system categorizes objects and scenes is a challenge because it requires bridging the gap between different levels of understanding–from the level of neural circuits and neural networks to the level of information processing and, ultimately, behavior. Computational models have become powerful tools for integrating knowledge across these levels of analysis. We review recent progress in our understanding of the computational mechanisms underlying visual categorization and discuss some of the remaining challenges. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:197–213. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1385This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Neuroscience > Computation
Electrostatic Filter Ash from Silane Production as Silicate Substitute in Zeolite Chemistry
Authors: Hartmann Andrea , Petrov Valeriy , Buhl Josef‐Christian , Rübner Katrin , Lindemann Matthias 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper is a case study of complete substitution of sodium‐metasilicate in zeolite Na‐A synthesis by an electrostatic filter ash (FA) arising in high amounts during silane waste incineration process. The silicate abundant FA is a suitable material for reinsertion in zeolite chemistry. This is shown in the presented investigation by the development of a model reaction process at low temperatures (50–60 °C) and short times (1.5–4 h). The experiments were performed under addition of NaAlO2 and variation of the alkalinity and the reaction period. Characterization and fine tuning of the process was mainly done by studying the kinetics of FA digestion and zeolite crystallization by XRD and chemical analyses (ICP‐OES) of solutions and solids. It could be shown that pure FA was mostly dissolved (98 %) in 8 M NaOH already after 1 h. Addition of NaAlO2 and crystallization for further 60 min under optimized conditions at 50 °C yielded to a suitable product. It consists of zeolite Na‐A (92 % by mass) beside some hydrosodalite (8 % by mass). According to this low temperature short time process this study is a contribution for the development of energy efficient recycling solutions.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Two Dicyanamide‐Bridged Polymers with a Schiff‐base Ligand
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Wan‐Xin , Zheng Ji‐Min 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe dicyanamide‐bridged polymers with Schiff‐base ligand, [CoNaL(dca)]n (1) and [Mn2L(dca)2]n (2) [H2L = bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)benzene‐1,2‐diamine, dca = dicyanamide] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectrroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The solid‐state structures reveal that polymer 1 has double dca bridged loop‐like 1D chains, in which the heterodinuclear Co2+‐Na+ units (LCoNa) are bridged by dca with coordination mode μ1,3,5. In polymer 2, homodinuclear Mn2+‐Mn2+(LMnMn) units are linked by dca in μ1,5‐bridging mode to form 2D planes. Magnetic susceptibility studies on 2 reveals antiferromagnetic coupling interactions between the adjacent Mn2+ ions in the LMnMn unit.
Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Patients with Large Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Case‐Matched Analysis
Authors: Nomi Takeo , Fuks David , Louvet Christophe , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Gayet Brice 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundDespite the expansion of laparoscopic approach in the treatment of liver tumors, limited data have been reported regarding large colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). This study aimed at assessing the short‐ and long‐term outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for large (≥5 cm) CRLMs.MethodsThis was a case‐matched study (1:2) comparing patients with large (group L; ≥5 cm) and small (group S; <5 cm) CRLMs using demographic, tumor, and surgical characteristics as matching variables. Postoperative outcomes and survival data were compared in the 2 groups.ResultsForty patients who underwent LLR for large CRLMs were matched with 80 patients with tumors <5 cm. Major hepatectomy was performed with 75.0 % of patients in Group L and 66.3 % in group S (p = 0.403). Operative time was 300 min in group L and 240 min in group S (p = 0.059). The postoperative mortality and overall morbidity rates were comparable in the 2 groups (p = 1.000 and 0.170, respectively). Postoperative major complication (Dindo–Clavien ≥3) was similar between the two groups (p = 0.072). R0 resection was achieved in 92.5 % in the group L and in 95.0 % in the group S (p = 1.000). The 5‐year overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were better for group S than for group L (47.3 vs. 35.4 %, p = 0.044 and 27.3 vs. 14.9 %, p = 0.042, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified positive surgical margins and synchronous presentation as prognostic factors.ConclusionSince LLR was performed safely with favorable oncological adequacy in selected patients with large CRLMs, tumor size should not modify the surgical approach.
Characterization of a salt-activated protease with temperature-dependent secretion in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia FF11 isolated from frozen Antarctic krill
Authors: Wang Qingling , Ji Fangling , Wang Jingyun , Jiang Bo , Li Lu , An Lijia , Li Yachen , Bao Yongming 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Seafood is sometimes wasted due to the growth of psychrotolerant microbes which secrete proteases and break down proteins. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia FF11, isolated from frozen Antarctic krill, grows at a wide range of temperatures and secretes more proteases at low temperatures. According to zymogram analysis, two kinds of proteases were produced from this strain. A major protease was produced largely at 15 °C, but not at 37 °C. The temperature-dependent secreted protease was purified to homogeneity. Its molecular mass was determined at 37.4 kDa and its amino acid sequence was also obtained. This protease is a member of the subtilase group according to the NCBI blast analysis. The enzyme was highly stable at high salt concentration (4 M). Interestingly, its activity increased about 1.6-fold under high salt condition. The enzyme remains active and stable in different organic solvents (50 %, v/v) such as dimethylsulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dioxane and acetone. These properties may provide potential applications in quality control for sea foods, in protein degradation at high salt concentration, in biocatalysis and biotransformation within non-aqueous media, such as detergent and transesterification.
Effects of climate change on plant composition and diversity in the Gurbantünggüt Desert of northwestern China
Authors: Zeng Yong , Liu Tong , Zhou Xiao‐bing , Sun Qin‐ming , Han Zhi‐quan , Liu Kang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUnderstanding changes in plant diversity is important with changing climate in desert ecosystems. We analyzed the changes in species richness and plant functional types in different landscape positions and species turnover between five sub‐regions of the Gurbantünggüt Desert, China, from 2009 to 2013. We also analyzed how species density, richness, and plant functional types responded to annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, and the coefficient of variation (Cv) of both daily precipitation and monthly temperature, throughout this entire desert region. The results showed significant differences in the Shannon–Weiner, Evenness, and Gleason indices between the sub‐regions over the 5‐year study period. Species richness varied in the order of ephemeral plants > long‐lived annual plants > perennial herbs > shrubs. Species richness in the lower and inter‐dune area was higher than on the upper dune and on top of dunes. About 34.8 % of total species were influenced by climate change. The density of about 8.7 % of total species declined with increasing precipitation, especially the two dominant species, Haloxylon persicum and Haloxylon ammodendron. Plant richness increased significantly with increased precipitation. Ephemeral plant made the largest contribution to increasing plant diversity in the desert, while shrubs made the smallest. Ephemeral plants play an important role in maintaining plant community composition and function. In addition, species turnover declined with increasing precipitation. We suggest that differences in flora and different landscape positions in the dunes, specifically in shaping the heterogeneous microhabitats, are important reasons for the complex responses of species to climate change.
Where is the leak in the pipeline? Investigating gender differences in academic promotion at an academic medical centre
Authors: Paulus Jessica K. , Switkowski Karen M. , Allison Geneve M. , Connors Molly , Buchsbaum Rachel J. , Freund Karen M. , Blazey-Martin Deborah 
Published: March 2016

Background Women are still under-represented in the senior ranks of academic medicine. As local surveys represent a critical initial step in addressing the challenges of gender disparities in academic promotion within institutions, we surveyed faculty at an academic medical centre to identify factors to improve the academic advancement of women.
Methods We conducted an electronic survey of all full-time faculty members in a Department of Medicine assessing academic rank and factors important in consideration for promotion.
Results 106 faculty members (46 %) responded to the survey; 40 % of the respondents were women. There was a statistically significant gender gap in faculty rank (p = 0.002), with only 2 of 17 full professor positions occupied by women. Among faculty who had not yet requested promotion, women were more likely to report that they did not think an academic promotion would benefit them (69 vs. 32 % in men, p = 0.01), and to report a lack of encouragement for requesting promotion (50 vs. 29 %, p = 0.08).
Conclusions Targeting the perceived value of academic promotion among women faculty, increasing junior faculty mentorship and modifying annual review processes could address gender disparities in academic medicine ranks.
Walk before you jump: new insights on early frog locomotion from the oldest known salientian
Authors: Lires Andrés I. , Soto Ignacio M. , Gómez Raúl O. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution of a Bauplan starts with discriminating phylogenetic signal from adaptation and the latter from exaptation in the observed biodiversity. Whether traits have predated, accompanied, or followed evolution of particular functions is the basic inference to establish the type of explanations required to determine morphological evolution. To accomplish this, we focus in a particular group of vertebrates, the anurans. Frogs and toads have a unique Bauplan among vertebrates, with a set of postcranial features that have been considered adaptations to jumping locomotion since their evolutionary origin. This interpretation is frequently stated but rarely tested in scientific literature. We test this assumption reconstructing the locomotor capabilities of the earliest known salientian, Triadobatrachus massinoti. This extinct taxon exhibits a mosaic of features that have traditionally been considered as representing an intermediate stage in the evolution of the anuran Bauplan, some of which were also linked to jumping skills. We considered T. massinoti in an explicit evolutionary framework by means of multivariate analyses and comparative phylogenetic methods. We used length measurements of major limb bones of 188 extant limbed amphibians (frogs and salamanders) and lizards as a morphological proxy of observed locomotor behavior. Our findings show that limb data correlate with locomotion, regardless of phylogenetic relatedness, and indicate that salamander-like lateral undulatory movements were the main mode of locomotion of T. massinoti. These results contrast with recent hypotheses and indicate that derived postcranial features that T. massinoti shared with anurans might have been later co-opted as exaptations in jumping frogs.
Whole genome sequencing provides insights into the genetic determinants of invasiveness inSalmonellaDublin
Authors: MOHAMMED M. , CORMICAN M. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Dublin (S.Dublin) is one of the non-typhoidalSalmonella(NTS); however, a relatively high proportion of human infections are associated with invasive disease. We applied whole genome sequencing to representative invasive and non-invasive clinical isolates ofS.Dublin to determine the genomic variations among them and to investigate the underlying genetic determinants associated with invasiveness inS.Dublin. Although no particular genomic variation was found to differentiate in invasive and non-invasive isolates four virulence factors were detected within the genome of all isolates including two different type VI secretion systems (T6SS) encoded on twoSalmonellapathogenicity islands (SPI), including SPI-6 (T6SSSPI-6) and SPI-19 (T6SSSPI-19), an intact lambdoid prophage (Gifsy-2-like prophage) that contributes significantly to the virulence and pathogenesis ofSalmonellaserotypes in addition to a virulence plasmid. These four virulence factors may all contribute to the potential ofS.Dublin to cause invasive disease in humans.
On the Fossil Foraminifera of Malta and Gozo
Authors: Jones T. Rupert 
Published: March 2016

In a former volume of the ‘Geologist’ there are notices of the geology of Malta and Gozo (vol. for 1860, pp. 198, 275, 421), from which it appears that the stratal groups forming these islands are, in downward succession,—
1.Upper Limestone ; fossiliferous.2.Soft sandy rock, consisting of yellow, green, and black sand in variable proportions, and containing many shells and echinoderms, chiefly as casts, and sharks’ teeth.3.Bluish marl, with sharks’ teeth and other fossils, especially Pecten Burdigalensis.4.Light-yellow calcareous freestone ; the common building-stone of the islands, rich with echinoderms, and containing also nautilus, fish-remains, and other fossils: this comprises also a band of chocolate- coloured pebbles, with sharks’ teeth.5.Lower Limestone, white and hard; with Scutella subrotunda, fish-teeth, and a few other fossils.These strata have been described by Captain Spratt, in the Geol. Soc. Proc, vol. iv. p. 225, etc., and their fossils determined and enumerated by Professor E. Forbes, ib., p. 230, etc. Dr. Wright also gave a notice of the beds, and descriptions of several of their fossils, in a paper published by the Cotteswold Nat. Field-club, and in the Annals Nat. Hist., 2nd ser., vol. xv.; lastly, Dr. A. L. Adams and Dr. Wright communicated a paper on the Maltese Strata and Echinoderms to the Geological Society, in 1863.Having lately received, from Captain F.W. Hutton and Dr. A.Leith Adams, some fine specimens of foramiuifera from the Maltese beds, carefully labelled as to their respective strata, as well as some notes on the strata from the same friends, I am enabled to add something as to the distribution of the foraminifera.Stratum No. 1, which, being largely composed of corallines (Nulliporae, E. Forbes's List, loc. cit.), and destitute of corals, seems to have no title to its old name of “Coral-limestone,” contains Heterostegina depressa, according to Dr. Adams and Captain Hutton; the latter informs me that this limestone is sometimes 230 feet thick, Pecten Pandora being one of its most abundant fossils.
On the Denudation of Arthur's Seat
Authors: Haswell James 
Published: March 2016

“Quid magis est saxo durum ? quid mollius unda ?Dura tamen molli saxa cavantur aqua.”The condition of Central Scotland during the long period represented by the Secondary formations is involved in darkness. On the east and west coasts of Scotland rocks of Secondary age occur north of the Grampians, but of the physical history of Central Scotland during the time these rocks were deposited, we know nothing. From the time of the deposition of our Upper Coal-beds, or, it may be, of some Permian Sandstones, up till the time when the whole island was locked fast in one immense mantle of ice, we are almost entirely ignorant of what was going on in that part of the country which lies between the Grampians and the Forth. And the man who shall decipher for us the physical geography of that period, and reveal to us the old surface of that district, with its vegetation and animal productions, prior to the time of the Boulder Clay, will have rendered no small service to the cause of Scottish geology.But although we have not as yet been able to trace the old surface of the land, we are not altogether without data to guide us in our researches. One thing is clear and certain,—a great change was taking place over the whole face of this region.
Three Days at Farringdon.—Position of Sponge-Gravel
Authors: Meyer. C. J. A. 
Published: March 2016

Early in September of the present year, I accompanied my friend Mr. C. Evans in a short excursion to Farringdon, with a view to examining the well-known “Sponge-gravel” pits of Little Coxwell; our intentions being, besides collecting fossils, to trace, if possible, some positive connection, or otherwise, between these reputed Upper Cretaceous Sponge-gravels and the acknowledged Lower Greensand deposits of Furze Hill and Badbury Hill.Taking up our quarters at Farringdon, we first visited the Sponge-gravel pit near the Windmill public-house at Little Coxwell, where we found a splendid section of the gravel exposed (see section 4), and in a few hours had collected a good supply of fossils;—dip of beds E. by N. 10°, resting, in part at least, upon Kimmeridge clay. Next day we went to Furze Hill, and found near the top of the hill the ironstone concretions described by Mr. Godwin-Austen (Quar. Journ. Geol. Soc, vol. vi. p. 456), containing numerous fossils, all of them, I believe, of Lower Greensand age. These concretions, for the most part, lie scattered about on or near the surface. In one place, however, we found a small section exposed, where the concretions occurred in position, imbedded in light-coloured sand. About fifteen feet lower down the hill, we found the same light-coloured sand, alternating with clay in thin layers, without concretions, and apparently unfossiliferous.
On Echinothuria Floris, a New and Anomalous Echinoderm from the Chalk of Kent
Authors: Woodward S. P. 
Published: March 2016

The fossils represented in the accompanying Plate are probably only fragments of the original structure, and possibly only the smaller and less essential portions of the whole. Nevertheless I have determined to publish some account of them, although at the risk of committing an extravagant error, as a last resort towards obtaining more complete examples or suggestions for their more correct interpretation.Both specimens have been presented to the British Museum; one by J. Wickham Flower, Esq., of Park Hill, Croydon, the other by the Rev. Norman Glass, of London.The first example (Fig. A) was obtained, at least sixteen years ago, from the Upper Chalk of Higham, near Rochester, and was submitted to Prof. E. Forbes, in whose custody it remained for several years. It was originally shown to me in connection with the anomalous Cirripede Loricula, then newly discovered by Mr. Wetherell. The resemblance between them is certainly curious; but there is no real relationship. Mr. Flower's fossil exhibits distinct traces of the crystalline structure peculiar to the petrified Echinodermata, and the pairs of pores in the ambulacral plates are equally characteristic of the Echinidæ. Mr. Darwin also has examined this fossil and rejected it from his province of inquiry.