bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient multisecret sharing scheme using new proposed computational security model
Authors: Ghasemi Reza , Safi Ali , Hadian Dehkordi Massoud 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA multisecret sharing (MSS) is a method for sharing a set of secrets among some participants. They can recover each of these secrets without endangering the other secrets. Two kinds of security models have been proposed for MSS schemes. These models are categorized into 2 types. The first security model is unconditional security. This approach decreases the efficiency of MSS schemes. Therefore, the second type of security, which is more relaxed, appeared. This approach is called computational security. In this paper, with 2 examples, we will show that the current definition of computational security does not satisfy all of our expectations from a secure MSS scheme. In fact, in these examples, recovering a secret leaks information to the other secrets while these schemes are considered secure in view of the computational security. After determining the shortcomings of the current security definition, we propose a new definition for computational security and present an MSS scheme that enjoys rigorous proof of security in terms of the new definition. In addition, a complete comparison in terms of share size, number of public values, and required operations for recovering a secret between our scheme and previous schemes indicates that the presented scheme is efficient.
Design tables for the utilisation factor α6,fi for the structural fire design of masonry according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐2/NA in the simplified calculation method
Authors: Hauer Markus 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEasy‐to‐use verification equations are available for the verifications in the simplified calculation method. This applies also for the structural fire design of those masonry types for which a verification with the utilisation factor αfi is given in the National Annex DIN EN 1996‐1‐2/NA. In specific applications, however, a classification can only be made applying the utilisation factor α6,fi. In these cases, the verification for the structural fire design by calculation is considerably more complex than the mathematical verification of the structural design in the ”cold state“. The present paper shows how the design equation for α6,fi can be made significantly easier with regard to its application by reference to the design value of the vertical load bearing resistance in the simplified method. Moreover, an upper limit value for the utilisation factor α6,fi for the simplified method is summarised in tables.
The effect of nitrogen availability and water conditions on competition between a facultative CAM plant and an invasive grass
Authors: Yu Kailiang , D'Odorico Paolo , Carr David E. , Personius Ashden , Collins Scott L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAbstract Plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) are increasing their abundance in drylands worldwide. The drivers and mechanisms underlying the increased dominance of CAM plants and CAM expression (i.e., nocturnal carboxylation) in facultative CAM plants, however, remain poorly understood. We investigated how nutrient and water availability affected competition between Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (a model facultative CAM species) and the invasive C3 grass Bromus mollis that co‐occur in California's coastal grasslands. Specifically we investigated the extent to which water stress, nutrients, and competition affect nocturnal carboxylation in M. crystallinum. High nutrient and low water conditions favored M. crystallinum over B. mollis, in contrast to high water conditions. While low water conditions induced nocturnal carboxylation in 9‐week‐old individuals of M. crystallinum, in these low water treatments, a 66% reduction in nutrient applied over the entire experiment did not further enhance nocturnal carboxylation. In high water conditions M. crystallinum both alone and in association with B. mollis did not perform nocturnal carboxylation, regardless of the nutrient levels. Thus, nocturnal carboxylation in M. crystallinum was restricted by strong competition with B. mollis in high water conditions. This study provides empirical evidence of the competitive advantage of facultative CAM plants over grasses in drought conditions and of the restricted ability of M. crystallinum to use their photosynthetic plasticity (i.e., ability to switch to CAM behavior) to compete with grasses in well‐watered conditions. We suggest that a high drought tolerance could explain the increased dominance of facultative CAM plants in a future environment with increased drought and nitrogen deposition, while the potential of facultative CAM plants such as M. crystallinum to expand to wet environments is expected to be limited.
Tracing coco de mer's reproductive history: Pollen and nutrient limitations reduce fecundity
Authors: Morgan Emma J. , Kaiser‐Bunbury Christopher N. , Edwards Peter J. , Fleischer‐Dogley Frauke , Kettle Chris J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHabitat degradation can reduce or even prevent the reproduction of previously abundant plant species. To develop appropriate management strategies, we need to understand the reasons for reduced recruitment in degraded ecosystems. The dioecious coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) produces by far the largest seeds of any plant. It is a keystone species in an ancient palm forest that occurs only on two small islands in the Seychelles, yet contemporary rates of seed production are low, especially in fragmented populations. We developed a method to infer the recent reproductive history of female trees from morphological evidence present on their inflorescences. We then applied this method to investigate the effects of habitat disturbance and soil nutrient conditions on flower and fruit production. The 57 female trees in our sample showed a 19.5‐fold variation in flower production among individuals over a seven‐year period. Only 77.2% of trees bore developing fruits (or had recently shed fruits), with the number per tree ranging from zero to 43. Flower production was positively correlated with concentrations of available soil nitrogen and potassium and did not differ significantly between closed and degraded habitat. Fruiting success was positively correlated with pollen availability, as measured by numbers and distance of neighboring male trees. Fruit set was lower in degraded habitat than in closed forest, while the proportion of abnormal fruits that failed to develop was higher in degraded habitat. Seed size recorded for a large sample of seeds collected by forest wardens varied widely, with fresh weights ranging from 1 to 18 kg.Synthesis: Shortages of both nutrients and pollen appear to limit seed production ofLodoiceain its natural habitat, with these factors affecting different stages of the reproductive process. Flower production varies widely amongst trees, while seed production is especially low in degraded habitat. The size of seeds is also very variable. We discuss the implications of these findings for managing this ecologically and economically important species.
Cumulative effects of fire and drought in Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Batllori Enric , De Cáceres Miquel , Brotons Lluís , Ackerly David D. , Moritz Max A. , Lloret Francisco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe occurrence of multiple disturbances can jointly affect the recovery capacity of ecosystems, potentially leading to changes in vegetation dynamics or loss of resilience. The effects of interacting disturbances on ecosystems are, however, not well understood. We use a model system based on Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs) to examine how the interplay between vegetation regeneration traits and compound, stochastic disturbances modulate ecosystem dynamics. We developed a state‐and‐transition simulation model including two tree species with contrasting regeneration strategies (seeder vs. resprouter) and a shrubland formation. We aim to assess potential compositional switches under contrasted scenarios of compound fire–drought regimes, and to characterize the cumulative effects of fire–drought (synergism vs. antagonism) relative to the effects of individual disturbance regimes. Our simulation results indicate that interaction between moderate fire and sporadic drought recurrence—as opposed to chronic dryness—can act as a strong mechanism generating highly heterogeneous landscapes in which different regeneration types coexist, as observed in MTEs. Resprouters dominated under individual, moderate disturbance regimes of fire or drought, whereas the interaction of the two disturbances promoted the long‐term coexistence of both tree regeneration strategies. However, shrubland expansion and persistence at the expanse of forests was favored by increases in drought recurrence and associated fire–drought interactions, highlighting the potential for important vegetation changes in MTEs under climate change. Overall, the cumulative effects of fire and drought can lead to distinct landscape configurations under moderate disturbance regimes that are otherwise only attained under high frequency of individual disturbances. At the ecosystem level, however, we suggest that disturbance‐induced vegetation dynamics can modify vegetation sensitivity and resilience to further disturbances precluding the prevalence of synergistic effects of the two disturbances.
Impact of RE's Anti‐Islanding on Power System Oscillatory Stability
Authors: KOMAMI SHINTARO , SAKATA TOMOAKI , YAMADA SEIJI 
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYAlthough computer simulation is certainly a powerful tool for power system stability assessment, manual analysis is more helpful for understanding mechanism of unstable phenomena. Among unstable phenomena, oscillatory stability must be the most complex one. The paper analyzes the impact of recently developed Japanese RE's standard active anti‐islanding function named “frequency feedback with step injection” on power system oscillatory stability. Since active anti‐islanding makes islanded system unstable, it also makes stability of large interconnection worse. The question is how serious is the impact and how the impact can be mitigated. The paper presents a method for oscillatory stability analysis considering induction motor load, RE, and anti‐islanding function on RE so minutely as readers can reproduce. Analyses are performed as case studies on aggregated power sending and receiving systems in existing interconnection of Japan. The analyses results are verified by simulation results on the same case studies.
Fast separation of enantiomers by capillary electrophoresis using a combination of two capillaries with different internal diameters
Authors: Šebestová Andrea , Petr Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe combination of capillaries with different internal diameters was used to accelerate the separation of enantiomers in capillary electrophoresis. Separation of R,S‐1,1′‐binaphthalene‐2,2′‐diyl hydrogen phosphate using isopropyl derivative of cyclofructan 6 was studied as a model system. The best separation conditions included 500 mM sodium borate pH 9.5 with 60 mM concentration of the chiral selector. Separation lasted approx. 1.5 min using the combination of 50 and 100 μm id capillaries of 9.7 cm and 22.9 cm, respectively. It allowed approx. 12‐fold acceleration in comparison to the traditional long‐end separation mainly due to the higher electroosmotic flow generated in the connected capillaries.
Enhancement of furfural formation from C5 carbohydrates by NaCl in a green reaction system of CO2–water–isopropanol
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Lin Haizhou , Wang Shurong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA novel green reaction system of CO2–water–isopropanol has been developed for the production of furfural (FF) from xylose. Initially, a simple CO2–water system was investigated, and the results showed that the formation of FF from xylose was greatly enhanced. CO2 at high pressure could increase the acidity of the reaction system, and thus the FF yield was improved. By raising the reaction temperature, the conversion of xylose was remarkably accelerated in the CO2–water–isopropanol system, leading to an acceptable conversion rate (94.41%) and FF yield (55.81%). Addition of an appropriate amount of NaCl further increased the yield to 69.20%. Other carbohydrates (arabinose and xylan) were also tested in the same reaction system and modest results were obtained.
Impaired microglia process dynamics post‐stroke are specific to sites of secondary neurodegeneration
Authors: Kluge Murielle G. , Kracht Laura , Abdolhoseini Mahmoud , Ong Lin Kooi , Johnson Sarah J. , Nilsson Michael , Walker Frederick R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStroke induces tissue death both at the site of infarction and at secondary sites connected to the primary infarction. This latter process has been referred to as secondary neurodegeneration (SND). Using predominantly fixed tissue analyses, microglia have been implicated in regulating the initial response at both damage sites post‐stroke. In this study, we used acute slice based multiphoton imaging, to investigate microglia dynamic process movement in mice 14 days after a photothrombotic stroke. We evaluated the baseline motility and process responses to locally induced laser damage in both the peri‐infarct (PI) territory and the ipsilateral thalamus, a major site of post‐stroke SND. Our findings show that microglia process extension toward laser damage within the thalamus is lost, yet remains robustly intact within the PI territory. However, microglia at both sites displayed an activated morphology and elevated levels of commonly used activation markers (CD68, CD11b), indicating that the standardly used fixed tissue metrics of microglial “activity” are not necessarily predictive of microglia function. Analysis of the purinergic P2Y12 receptor, a key regulator of microglia process extension, revealed an increased somal localization on nonresponsive microglia in the thalamus. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify a non‐responsive microglia phenotype specific to areas of SND post‐stroke, which cannot be identified by the classical assessment of microglia activation but rather the localization of P2Y12 to the soma.
Combination of cuprizone and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis to study inflammatory brain lesion formation and progression
Authors: Rüther Bernhard Josef , Scheld Miriam , Dreymueller Daniela , Clarner Tim , Kress Eugenia , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove , Swartenbroekx Tine , Hoornaert Chloé , Ponsaerts Peter , Fallier‐Becker Petra , Beyer Cordian , Rohr Sven Olaf , Schmitz Christoph , Chrzanowski Uta , Hochstrasser Tanja , Nyamoya Stella , Kipp Markus 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBrain‐intrinsic degenerative cascades are a proposed factor driving inflammatory lesion formation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We recently described a model combining noninflammatory cytodegeneration (via cuprizone) with the classic active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (Cup/EAE model), which exhibits inflammatory forebrain lesions. Here, we describe the histopathological characteristics and progression of these Cup/EAE lesions. We show that inflammatory lesions develop at various topographical sites in the forebrain, including white matter tracts and cortical and subcortical grey matter areas. The lesions are characterized by focal demyelination, discontinuation of the perivascular glia limitans, focal axonal damage, and neutrophil granulocyte extravasation. Transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein‐expressing microglia and red fluorescent protein‐expressing monocytes reveal that both myeloid cell populations contribute to forebrain inflammatory infiltrates. EAE‐triggered inflammatory cerebellar lesions were augmented in mice pre‐intoxicated with cuprizone. Gene expression studies suggest roles of the chemokines Cxcl10, Ccl2, and Ccl3 in inflammatory lesion formation. Finally, follow‐up experiments in Cup/EAE mice with chronic disease revealed that forebrain, but not spinal cord, lesions undergo spontaneous reorganization and repair. This study underpins the significance of brain‐intrinsic degenerative cascades for immune cell recruitment and, in consequence, MS lesion formation.
A systematic investigation on the structure, energy, aromaticity, and stability of substituted X5Y5C10 nanocages (X=B, Al, Ga, and Y=N, P, As)
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) calculations are applied to devise highly doped Cs symmetry X5Y5C10 (X=B, Al, Ga, and Y=N, P, As) heterofullerenes where the substituents are completely linked to each other by means of strong X–Y bonds in equatorial position. The structural stabilities, geometry, and electronic properties of these systems are compared and contrasted at the B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ, B3LYP/6‐311++G**, B3LYP/6‐311+G*, and B3PW91/6‐311+G* computational levels. Vibrational frequency analysis confirms that all of these nonsegregated nanocages are real minima. B5N5C10 immerges with the highest HOMO‐LUMO energy separation (2.18 eV). Hence, it is predicted to be the most chemically stable against electronic excitation. In contrast, Al5N5C10 that appears with the narrowest band gaps (1.13 eV), the highest conductivity, and the most charge transfer is the best candidate for hydrogen storage. Assuming the heat of atomization, B5N5C10 is expected to be the most thermodynamically stable heterofullerene. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift calculations at cage center and 1 Å above the cage center are exhibited the most negative value of NICS (0), NICS (1) (−28.08 and −37.80 ppm, respectively) and the most aromaticity for Ga5N5C10 heterofullerene.
A Physical‐Inorganic Approach for the Elucidation of Active Iron Species and Mechanism in Iron‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Carpenter Stephanie H. , Neidig Michael L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDetailed studies of iron speciation and mechanism in iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions are critical for providing the necessary fundamental insight to drive new reaction development. However, such insight is challenging to obtain due to the prevalence of mixtures of unstable, paramagnetic organoiron species that can form in this chemistry. A physical‐inorganic research approach combining freeze‐trapped inorganic spectroscopic studies, organometallic synthesis and GC/kinetic studies provides a powerful method for studying such systems. Mössbauer, EPR and MCD spectroscopy enable the direct investigation of in situ formed iron species and, combined with GC analysis, the direct correlation of reactions of specific iron species to the generation of organic products. This review focuses on a description of the key methods involved in this physical‐inorganic approach, as well as examples of its application to investigations of iron‐SciOPP catalyzed cross‐coupling catalysis.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of nonpharmacological adjuvant interventions for patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment
Authors: Chu Kun , Zhang Qing , Han Hedong , Xu Chen , Pang Wenjuan , Ma Yan , Sun Ningxia , Li Wen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundAssisted reproductive technology (ART) is not always successful, yet places a high psychological burden on individuals.ObjectivesTo assess whether nonpharmacological adjuvant interventions could improve outcomes among patients receiving ART.Search strategyElectronic databases were searched from inception to March 2017, using keywords such as “fertility treatment,” “emotional distress,” and “clinical pregnancy.”Selection criteriaReports of randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on emotional disorders and the pregnancy rate in patients receiving ART published in any language were included.Data collection and analysisData were extracted into a predesigned form. Psychological ratings were pooled using standardized mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity was assessed. The primary outcome measures were psychological ratings at baseline and after intervention.Main resultsOverall, 34 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 7213 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Nonpharmacological interventions reduced anxiety when compared with control interventions (SMD 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.42; I2=85%), but they had no significant effects on depression and infertility distress.ConclusionsNonpharmacological interventions could improve the psychological outcomes of patients undergoing ART treatment.
A genetic variant in a homocysteine metabolic gene that increases the risk of congenital cardiac septal defects in Han Chinese populations
Authors: Xie Han‐Hui , Li Jiong , Li Pei‐Qiang , Zhang An‐An , Li Yi , Wang Yan‐Zhen , Xie Ding‐Xiong , Xie Xiao‐Dong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractElevated homocysteine levels are known to be a risk factor for congenital cardiac septal defects (CCSDs), but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. The genetic variants that were significantly associated with circulating homocysteine concentrations have been systematically identified through the genome‐wide association studies of one‐carbon core metabolites. To examine the role of the genome‐wide significant homocysteine related variants in the occurrence of CCSDs, we investigated the association between these variants and CCSDs in Han Chinese populations. Five variants of the genome‐wide significant homocysteine‐related genes were selected for analysis in two stages of case‐controlled studies with a total of 904 CCSD patients and 997 controls. SYT9 expression was detected in human cardiovascular tissue using qRT‐PCR. The intronic variant rs11041321 of the SYT9 gene was associated with an increased risk of developing CCSDs in both the separate and combined case‐controlled studies. Combined samples from the two stage cohorts had a significant elevation in CCSD risk for the T allele (OR = 1.43, P = 2.6 × 10−6), CT genotype and TT genotype (CT: OR = 1.30, TT: OR = 2.21; P = 1 × 10−4) compared with the wild‐type C allele and CC genotype, respectively. The risky T allele carriers exhibited decreased SYT9 mRNA expression, compared with wild‐type C allele carriers. The intronic SYT9 variant rs11041321, which exhibits a significant genome‐wide association with circulating homocysteine, was associated with the occurrence of CCSDs. This finding helps to characterize the unexpected role of SYT9 in homocysteine metabolism and the development of CCSDs, which further highlighted the interplay of diet, genetics, and human birth defects. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(9):700–705, 2017
Synthesis, binding ability, and cell cytotoxicity of fluorescent probes for l‐arginine detection based on naphthalene derivatives: Experiment and theory
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Yang , Chen Yanmei , Shang Xuefang , Ti Tongyu , Chen Hongli , Wang Tianyun , Zhang Jinlian , Xu Xiufang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInspired by biological related parts, Schiff base derivatives and functional groups of chemical modification can provide efficient detection method of amino acids. Therefore, we have designed and prepared 4 compounds based on Schiff base derivatives involving ─NO2, ─OH, and naphthyl group. Results indicated that compound 4 containing 2 nitro groups showed strong sensitivity and high selectivity for arginine (Arg) among normal 18 kinds of standard amino acids (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, serine, asparagine, phenylalanine, histidine, tryptophan, proline, lysine, glutamine, and cysteine). Theoretical investigation also approved the strong binding ability of compound 4 for Arg. In addition, compound 4 displayed high combining ability of Arg and low cytotoxicity of MCF‐7 cell in the 0 to 150 μg mL−1 of concentration range; it can be used for Arg in vivo detection of fluorescent probe.