AIM: To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography (CT) and magnet...AIM: To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: One hundred and thirty four patients withone focal liver lesion detected in baseline ultrasound (US) were examined with conventional US, contrastenhanced US (n = 134), contrast-enhanced CT (n = 115) and/or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 70). The lesions were classified as malignant, benign or indeterminate and the type of lesion was determined. The final diagnosis based on the combined information of all imaging examinations, clinical information and histology (n = 32) was used. Comparisons were made to see whether the addition of contrast-enhanced US led to the improvement of the characterization of doubtful focal liver lesions.RESULTS: In comparison with unenhanced US, SonoVue markedly improves sensitivity and specificity for the characterization (malignant/benign) of focal liver lesions. In comparison with CT and/or dynamic MRI, SonoVue -enhanced sonography applied for characterization of focal liver lesions was 30.2% more sensitive in the recognition of malignancy and 16.1% more specific in the exclusion of malignancy and overall 22.9% more accurate. In the subgroup with confirmative histology available (n = 30), sensitivity was 95.5% (CEUS), 72.2% (CT) and 81.8% (MRI), and specificity was 75.0% (CEUS), 37.5% (CT) and 42.9% (MRI). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the identification of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hemangiomas was 100% and 87%, resulting in an accuracy of 94.5%.CONCLUSION: SonoVue-enhanced sonography emerges as the most sensitive, ost specific and thus most accurate imaging modality for the characterization of focal liver lesions.展开更多
The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize (MZ), high sugar forage sorghum (HS) and forage sorghum (FS), and silages made from each forage type were measured. Th...The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize (MZ), high sugar forage sorghum (HS) and forage sorghum (FS), and silages made from each forage type were measured. The MZ and MZ silage (MZS) had higher crude protein, starch and ether extract contents than both sorghum forages and sorghum silages. HS had higher ash and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than FS and MZ. MZ, MZS, HS and HS silage (HSS) had lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin than FS and FS silage (FSS). FSS had higher dry matter (DM) and pH than MZS and HSS. HSS contained higher concentrations of P and K than FSS and MZS. MZS and HSS had higher in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, CH4 production, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate than FSS. pH was higher for FSS than for HSS, and ammonia was lower for HSS than for MZS and FSS. HSS had higher gas production than MZS and FSS after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h incubation. MZS had higher gas production than HSS and FSS after 26 and 28 h of incubation. The results indicate that HS may substitute for MZ to make good quality silage. However, animal studies are needed to assess the acceptability and feeding values of HSS vs. MZS for ruminant production.展开更多
加拿大心境障碍与焦虑障碍治疗协作组(Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments,CANMAT)曾于2005年发布了第1版双相障碍管理指南,并分别于2007、2009和2013年对该指南进行了更新,其中最近的2次更新是与国际双相障碍学会(Inter...加拿大心境障碍与焦虑障碍治疗协作组(Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments,CANMAT)曾于2005年发布了第1版双相障碍管理指南,并分别于2007、2009和2013年对该指南进行了更新,其中最近的2次更新是与国际双相障碍学会(International Society for Bipolar Disorders,ISBD)合作完成。2018版CANMAT/ISBD双相障碍治疗指南(以下简称指南)反映了自2005年首版指南发表以来本领域取得的重大进展,包括疾病诊断与疾病管理的更新以及药物治疗与心理治疗的近期研究进展。这些前沿进展中综合考虑了循证证据的级别,并基于治疗疗效、临床实践经验、安全性、耐受性和药物导致的转相风险等,对一线、二线及三线治疗方案进行了简明而清晰的推荐。本指南中新增内容涵盖了双相Ⅰ型障碍(BD-Ⅰ)的躁狂发作急性期、抑郁发作急性期和双相障碍维持期的一线及二线治疗推荐等级划分。这种对治疗推荐等级的划分综合考虑了治疗方法对双相障碍不同时相的影响,将进一步帮助临床医生做出基于循证证据的治疗决策。锂盐、喹硫平、双丙戊酸盐、阿塞那平、阿立哌唑、帕利哌酮、利培酮和卡利拉嗪单药或联合使用被推荐为躁狂发作急性期的一线治疗选择。BD-Ⅰ抑郁期的一线治疗选择包括喹硫平、鲁拉西酮、锂盐、拉莫三嗪单药,鲁拉西酮联合锂盐或双丙戊酸盐或拉莫三嗪辅助治疗。尽管急性期治疗有效的药物通常应继续用于BD-Ⅰ的维持期治疗,但也存在一些特殊情况(例如抗抑郁药)。现有数据表明,锂盐、喹硫平、双丙戊酸盐、拉莫三嗪、阿塞那平和阿立哌唑单药或联合治疗应被视为维持治疗的初始或更换治疗方案时的一线选择。除了探讨BD-Ⅰ的相关问题外,本指南中还对双相Ⅱ型障碍(BD-Ⅱ)的临床管理进行了系统回顾并给予治疗推荐,同时针对特殊人群也有相关推荐,如处于各个生殖展开更多
The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (best known as Cordyceps sinensis) mummifies ghost moth larvae exclusively in Tibetan Plateau alpine ecosystems. Touted as "Himalayan Viagra", the fungus is hig...The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (best known as Cordyceps sinensis) mummifies ghost moth larvae exclusively in Tibetan Plateau alpine ecosystems. Touted as "Himalayan Viagra", the fungus is highly prized due to its medical benefits and dwindling supplies. Attempts to culture the sexual fruiting-body have failed and the huge market demand has led to severe devastation of local ecosystems and to the fungus heading towards extinction. By genome sequencing, we establish that unlike related insect pathogens O. sinensis contains two compatible mating-type genes in its genome and is self-fertile, i.e. homothallic. However, sexual processes are only initiated under native environmental conditions. O. sinensis resembles biotrophic plant pathogens in having a genome shaped by retrotransposon-driven expansions. The resulting changes in gene content suggest that O. sinensis has a biphasic pathogenic mechanism beginning with stealth pathogenesis in early host instars. O. sinensis is the first psychrophilic fungus sequenced and is adapted to extreme cold with putative antifreeze proteins and mechanisms for increasing lipid accumulation and fatty acid unsaturation. We hypothesize that for the inbreeding O. sinensis the massive proliferation of retrotransposons provides a tradeoff between the advantages of increased genetic variation independent of sexual recombination and deletion of genes dispensable for its specialized pathogenic lifestyle.展开更多
The traffic explosion and the rising of diverse requirements lead to many challenges for traditional mobile network architecture on flexibility, scalability, and deployability. To meet new requirements in the 5 G era,...The traffic explosion and the rising of diverse requirements lead to many challenges for traditional mobile network architecture on flexibility, scalability, and deployability. To meet new requirements in the 5 G era, service based architecture is introduced into mobile networks. The monolithic network elements(e.g., MME, PGW, etc.) are split into smaller network functions to provide customized services. However, the management and deployment of network functions in service based 5 G core network are still big challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel management architecture for 5 G service based core network based on NFV and SDN. Combined with SDN, NFV and edge computing, the proposed framework can provide distributed and on-demand deployment of network functions, service guaranteed network slicing, flexible orchestration of network functions and optimal workload allocation. Simulations are conducted to show that the proposed framework and algorithm are effective in terms of reducing network operating cost.展开更多
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly being fotmd in civilian and military contexts, ranging from smart cities and smart grids to Internet-of-Medical-Things, Internet-of-Vehicles, Internet-of-Military-Th...Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly being fotmd in civilian and military contexts, ranging from smart cities and smart grids to Internet-of-Medical-Things, Internet-of-Vehicles, Internet-of-Military-Things, Internet-of- Battlefield-Things, etc. In this paper, we survey articles presenting IoT security solutions published in English since January 2016. We make a nmnber of observations, including the lack of publicly available loT datasets that can be used by the research and practitioner communities. Given the potentially sensitive nature of IoT datasets, there is a need to develop a standard for sharing IoT datasets among the research and practitioner communities and other relevant stakeholders. Thus, we posit the potential for blockehain technology in facilitating secure sharing of IoT datasets (e.g., using blockchain to ensure the integrity of shared datasets) and securing loT systems, before presenting two conceptual blockchain-based approaches. We then conclude this paper with nine potential research questions.展开更多
Telerobotic surgery is the most advanced development in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci surgical system, which is currently the most widely used telerobotic device, was approved by the Food and D...Telerobotic surgery is the most advanced development in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci surgical system, which is currently the most widely used telerobotic device, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America for clinical use in all abdominal operations in July 2000. The first da Vinci surgical system in China was installed in November 2005 at our institution. We herein report the first telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection using the 3-arm da Vinci surgical system for low rectal cancer in Hong Kong and China, which was performed in August 2006. The operative time and blood loss were 240 min and 200 mL, respectively. There was no complication, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day five. An updated review of published literature on telerobotic-assisted colorectal surgery is included in this report, with special emphasis on its advantages and limitations.展开更多
Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) allows remote measurement of the heart rate using low-cost RGB imaging equipment. In this study, we review the development of the field of rPPG since its emergence in 2008. We also...Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) allows remote measurement of the heart rate using low-cost RGB imaging equipment. In this study, we review the development of the field of rPPG since its emergence in 2008. We also classify existing rPPG approaches and derive a framework that provides an overview of modular steps. Based on this framework, practitioners can use our classification to design algorithms for an rPPG approach that suits their specific needs. Researchers can use the reviewed and classified algorithms as a starting point to improve particular features of an rPPG algorithm.展开更多
Our previous study verified the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)on retinal neurons and blood vessels in acute ocular hypertension(AOH)mice.To investigate the effect of LBP on the reactivity o...Our previous study verified the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)on retinal neurons and blood vessels in acute ocular hypertension(AOH)mice.To investigate the effect of LBP on the reactivity of retinal glial cells,an AOH mouse model was established in one eye by maintaining ocular hypertension of 90 mm Hg for 60 minutes.Either LBP solution(1 mg/kg)or phosphate-buffered saline was administrated to the mice by gavage daily,starting 7 days before the AOH insult and continuing until the mice were sacrificed for specimen collection on day 4 post-insult.After AOH insult,increased numbers of astrocytes and microglia were observed,together with decreased expression of the following glial cell biomarkers in the retinal ganglion cells of AOH mice:glial fibrillary acidic protein,glutamine synthetase,aquaporin-4,S-100 proteins,ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1,amyloid precursor protein and receptor of advanced glycosylation end-products.After intervention with LBP,the above changes were significantly reduced.Remarkably,morphological remodeling of blood vessel-associated retinal astrocytes,marked by glial fibrillary acidic protein,was also observed.These results,taken together,suggest that LBP regulated the production of amyloid-βand expression of receptor of advanced glycosylation end-products,as well as mediating the activity of retinal glial cells,which may lead to the promotion of better maintenance of the blood-retinal barrier and improved neuronal survival in AOH insult.This study was approved by the Committee for the Use of Live Animals in Teaching and Research(approval No.CULTRA-#1664-08).展开更多
Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese anti-aging herb, has been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat chronic ocular hypertension (COH) model. Here, we investigated the expression of endothelin...Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese anti-aging herb, has been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat chronic ocular hypertension (COH) model. Here, we investigated the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a strong vasoconstrictor, and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in the COH model and assessed the effects of Lycium barbarum on the ET-1 axis. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in the right eye of SD rats using argon laser photocoagulation. (1) The expression of ET-1, ETA and ETB in normal and COH retinas was studied. (2) Some COH rats were fed daily with Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides (LBP) using 1 mg/kg or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 3 weeks (started 1 week before photocoagulation). The effects of LBP on the expression of ET-1 and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in COH retina were evaluated. A semi-quantitative analysis of staining intensity was used to evaluate the expression levels of ET-1, ETA and ETB in retinal vasculature. We found that (1) Under COH condition, the immunoreactivity of ET-1 was increased in retina associated with an increase of ETB receptor immunoreactivity and a decrease of ETA receptor immunoreactivity. (2) After feeding COH rats with LBP, the expression of ET-1 was decreased with an increase of ETA expression and a decrease of ETB expression in the retina, especially in RGCs. (3) By comparing the staining intensity in the vasculature of COH retina in LBP-fed group with PBS-fed group, there was a decrease in the expression of ET-1 and ETA and an increase in ETB. In summary, ET-1 expression was up-regulated in the retina in COH model. LBP could decrease the expression of ET-1 and modulate the expression of its receptors, ETA and ETB, under the condition of COH. The neuroprotective effect of LBP on RGCs might be related to its ability to regulate the ET-1-mediated biological effects on RGCs and retinal vasculature.展开更多
Mobile devices are widely used for data access,communications and storage.However,storing a private key for signature and other cryptographic usage on a single mobile device can be challenging,due to its computational...Mobile devices are widely used for data access,communications and storage.However,storing a private key for signature and other cryptographic usage on a single mobile device can be challenging,due to its computational limitations.Thus,a number of(t,n)threshold secret sharing schemes designed to minimize private key from leakage have been proposed in the literature.However,existing schemes generally suffer from key reconstruction attack.In this paper,we propose an efficient and secure two-party distributed signing protocol for the SM2 signature algorithm.The latter has been mandated by the Chinese government for all electronic commerce applications.The proposed protocol separates the private key to storage on two devices and can generate a valid signature without the need to reconstruct the entire private key.We prove that our protocol is secure under nonstandard assumption.Then,we implement our protocol using MIRACL Cryptographic SDK to demonstrate that the protocol can be deployed in practice to prevent key disclosure.展开更多
Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease that is associated with bacteria of the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' (Ca. L.). Powerful diagnostic tools and management strategies are desired to control HL...Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease that is associated with bacteria of the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' (Ca. L.). Powerful diagnostic tools and management strategies are desired to control HLB. Host small RNAs (sRNA) play a vital role in regulating host responses to pathogen infection and are used as early diagnostic markers for many human diseases, including cancers. To determine whether citrus sRNAs regulate host responses to HLB, sRNAs were profiled from Citrus sinensis 10 and 14 weeks post grafting with Ca. L. asiaticus (Las)-positive or healthy tissue. Ten new microRNAs (miRNAs), 76 conserved miRNAs, and many small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were discovered. Several miRNAs and siRNAs were highly induced by Las infection, and can be potentially developed into early diagnosis markers of HLB. miR399, which is induced by phosphorus starvation in other plant species, was induced specifically by infection of Las but not Spiroplasma citri that causes citrus stubborn--a disease with symptoms similar to HLB. We found a 35% reduction of phosphorus in Las-positive citrus trees compared to healthy trees. Applying phosphorus oxyanion solutions to HLB-positive sweet orange trees reduced HLB symptom severity and significantly improved fruit production during a 3-year field trial in south-west Florida. Our molecular, physiological, and field data suggest that phosphorus deficiency is linked to HLB disease symptomology.展开更多
Since the publication of Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper on Bitcoin in 2008,blockchain has(slowly)become one of the most frequently discussed methods for securing data storage and transfer through decentralized,tru...Since the publication of Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper on Bitcoin in 2008,blockchain has(slowly)become one of the most frequently discussed methods for securing data storage and transfer through decentralized,trustless,peer-to-peer systems.This research identifies peer-reviewed literature that seeks to utilize blockchain for cyber security purposes and presents a systematic analysis of the most frequently adopted blockchain security applications.Our findings show that the Internet of Things(IoT)lends itself well to novel blockchain applications,as do networks and machine visualization,public-key cryptography,web applications,certification schemes and the secure storage of Personally Identifiable Information(PII).This timely systematic review also sheds light on future directions of research,education and practices in the blockchain and cyber security space,such as security of blockchain in IoT,security of blockchain for AI data,and sidechain security.展开更多
The management options for ureteral obstruction are diverse, including retrograde ureteral stent insertion or antegrade nephrostomy placement, with or without eventual antegrade stent insertion. There is currently no ...The management options for ureteral obstruction are diverse, including retrograde ureteral stent insertion or antegrade nephrostomy placement, with or without eventual antegrade stent insertion. There is currently no consensus on the ideal treatment or treatment pathway for ureteral obstruction owing, in part, to the varied etiologies of obstruction and diversity of institutional practices. Additionally, different clinicians such as internists, urologists, oncologists and radiologists are often involved in the care of patients with ureteral obstruction and may have differing opinions concerning the best management strategy. The purpose of this manuscript was to review available literature that compares percutaneous nephrostomy placement vs ureteral stenting in the management of ureteral obstruction from both benign and malignant etiologies.展开更多
文摘AIM: To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: One hundred and thirty four patients withone focal liver lesion detected in baseline ultrasound (US) were examined with conventional US, contrastenhanced US (n = 134), contrast-enhanced CT (n = 115) and/or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 70). The lesions were classified as malignant, benign or indeterminate and the type of lesion was determined. The final diagnosis based on the combined information of all imaging examinations, clinical information and histology (n = 32) was used. Comparisons were made to see whether the addition of contrast-enhanced US led to the improvement of the characterization of doubtful focal liver lesions.RESULTS: In comparison with unenhanced US, SonoVue markedly improves sensitivity and specificity for the characterization (malignant/benign) of focal liver lesions. In comparison with CT and/or dynamic MRI, SonoVue -enhanced sonography applied for characterization of focal liver lesions was 30.2% more sensitive in the recognition of malignancy and 16.1% more specific in the exclusion of malignancy and overall 22.9% more accurate. In the subgroup with confirmative histology available (n = 30), sensitivity was 95.5% (CEUS), 72.2% (CT) and 81.8% (MRI), and specificity was 75.0% (CEUS), 37.5% (CT) and 42.9% (MRI). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the identification of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hemangiomas was 100% and 87%, resulting in an accuracy of 94.5%.CONCLUSION: SonoVue-enhanced sonography emerges as the most sensitive, ost specific and thus most accurate imaging modality for the characterization of focal liver lesions.
基金jointly supported by the Nati onal Natural Science Foundation of China (31160472)the Chancellor Funds of Tarim University, China (TDZKBS201102)funded by Agmardt Post-Doctoral Fellowship (New Zealand)
文摘The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize (MZ), high sugar forage sorghum (HS) and forage sorghum (FS), and silages made from each forage type were measured. The MZ and MZ silage (MZS) had higher crude protein, starch and ether extract contents than both sorghum forages and sorghum silages. HS had higher ash and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than FS and MZ. MZ, MZS, HS and HS silage (HSS) had lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin than FS and FS silage (FSS). FSS had higher dry matter (DM) and pH than MZS and HSS. HSS contained higher concentrations of P and K than FSS and MZS. MZS and HSS had higher in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, CH4 production, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate than FSS. pH was higher for FSS than for HSS, and ammonia was lower for HSS than for MZS and FSS. HSS had higher gas production than MZS and FSS after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h incubation. MZS had higher gas production than HSS and FSS after 26 and 28 h of incubation. The results indicate that HS may substitute for MZ to make good quality silage. However, animal studies are needed to assess the acceptability and feeding values of HSS vs. MZS for ruminant production.
文摘加拿大心境障碍与焦虑障碍治疗协作组(Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments,CANMAT)曾于2005年发布了第1版双相障碍管理指南,并分别于2007、2009和2013年对该指南进行了更新,其中最近的2次更新是与国际双相障碍学会(International Society for Bipolar Disorders,ISBD)合作完成。2018版CANMAT/ISBD双相障碍治疗指南(以下简称指南)反映了自2005年首版指南发表以来本领域取得的重大进展,包括疾病诊断与疾病管理的更新以及药物治疗与心理治疗的近期研究进展。这些前沿进展中综合考虑了循证证据的级别,并基于治疗疗效、临床实践经验、安全性、耐受性和药物导致的转相风险等,对一线、二线及三线治疗方案进行了简明而清晰的推荐。本指南中新增内容涵盖了双相Ⅰ型障碍(BD-Ⅰ)的躁狂发作急性期、抑郁发作急性期和双相障碍维持期的一线及二线治疗推荐等级划分。这种对治疗推荐等级的划分综合考虑了治疗方法对双相障碍不同时相的影响,将进一步帮助临床医生做出基于循证证据的治疗决策。锂盐、喹硫平、双丙戊酸盐、阿塞那平、阿立哌唑、帕利哌酮、利培酮和卡利拉嗪单药或联合使用被推荐为躁狂发作急性期的一线治疗选择。BD-Ⅰ抑郁期的一线治疗选择包括喹硫平、鲁拉西酮、锂盐、拉莫三嗪单药,鲁拉西酮联合锂盐或双丙戊酸盐或拉莫三嗪辅助治疗。尽管急性期治疗有效的药物通常应继续用于BD-Ⅰ的维持期治疗,但也存在一些特殊情况(例如抗抑郁药)。现有数据表明,锂盐、喹硫平、双丙戊酸盐、拉莫三嗪、阿塞那平和阿立哌唑单药或联合治疗应被视为维持治疗的初始或更换治疗方案时的一线选择。除了探讨BD-Ⅰ的相关问题外,本指南中还对双相Ⅱ型障碍(BD-Ⅱ)的临床管理进行了系统回顾并给予治疗推荐,同时针对特殊人群也有相关推荐,如处于各个生殖
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2009CB118904)National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2007BAI32B00)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31225023)
文摘The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (best known as Cordyceps sinensis) mummifies ghost moth larvae exclusively in Tibetan Plateau alpine ecosystems. Touted as "Himalayan Viagra", the fungus is highly prized due to its medical benefits and dwindling supplies. Attempts to culture the sexual fruiting-body have failed and the huge market demand has led to severe devastation of local ecosystems and to the fungus heading towards extinction. By genome sequencing, we establish that unlike related insect pathogens O. sinensis contains two compatible mating-type genes in its genome and is self-fertile, i.e. homothallic. However, sexual processes are only initiated under native environmental conditions. O. sinensis resembles biotrophic plant pathogens in having a genome shaped by retrotransposon-driven expansions. The resulting changes in gene content suggest that O. sinensis has a biphasic pathogenic mechanism beginning with stealth pathogenesis in early host instars. O. sinensis is the first psychrophilic fungus sequenced and is adapted to extreme cold with putative antifreeze proteins and mechanisms for increasing lipid accumulation and fatty acid unsaturation. We hypothesize that for the inbreeding O. sinensis the massive proliferation of retrotransposons provides a tradeoff between the advantages of increased genetic variation independent of sexual recombination and deletion of genes dispensable for its specialized pathogenic lifestyle.
基金supported by China Ministry of Education-CMCC Research Fund Project No.MCM20160104National Science and Technology Major Project No.No.2018ZX03001016+1 种基金Beijing Municipal Science and technology Commission Research Fund Project No.Z171100005217001Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities NO.2018RC06
文摘The traffic explosion and the rising of diverse requirements lead to many challenges for traditional mobile network architecture on flexibility, scalability, and deployability. To meet new requirements in the 5 G era, service based architecture is introduced into mobile networks. The monolithic network elements(e.g., MME, PGW, etc.) are split into smaller network functions to provide customized services. However, the management and deployment of network functions in service based 5 G core network are still big challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel management architecture for 5 G service based core network based on NFV and SDN. Combined with SDN, NFV and edge computing, the proposed framework can provide distributed and on-demand deployment of network functions, service guaranteed network slicing, flexible orchestration of network functions and optimal workload allocation. Simulations are conducted to show that the proposed framework and algorithm are effective in terms of reducing network operating cost.
文摘Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly being fotmd in civilian and military contexts, ranging from smart cities and smart grids to Internet-of-Medical-Things, Internet-of-Vehicles, Internet-of-Military-Things, Internet-of- Battlefield-Things, etc. In this paper, we survey articles presenting IoT security solutions published in English since January 2016. We make a nmnber of observations, including the lack of publicly available loT datasets that can be used by the research and practitioner communities. Given the potentially sensitive nature of IoT datasets, there is a need to develop a standard for sharing IoT datasets among the research and practitioner communities and other relevant stakeholders. Thus, we posit the potential for blockehain technology in facilitating secure sharing of IoT datasets (e.g., using blockchain to ensure the integrity of shared datasets) and securing loT systems, before presenting two conceptual blockchain-based approaches. We then conclude this paper with nine potential research questions.
文摘Telerobotic surgery is the most advanced development in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci surgical system, which is currently the most widely used telerobotic device, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America for clinical use in all abdominal operations in July 2000. The first da Vinci surgical system in China was installed in November 2005 at our institution. We herein report the first telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection using the 3-arm da Vinci surgical system for low rectal cancer in Hong Kong and China, which was performed in August 2006. The operative time and blood loss were 240 min and 200 mL, respectively. There was no complication, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day five. An updated review of published literature on telerobotic-assisted colorectal surgery is included in this report, with special emphasis on its advantages and limitations.
文摘Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) allows remote measurement of the heart rate using low-cost RGB imaging equipment. In this study, we review the development of the field of rPPG since its emergence in 2008. We also classify existing rPPG approaches and derive a framework that provides an overview of modular steps. Based on this framework, practitioners can use our classification to design algorithms for an rPPG approach that suits their specific needs. Researchers can use the reviewed and classified algorithms as a starting point to improve particular features of an rPPG algorithm.
基金supported in part by the National Basic Research Program of China,No.81300766(to XSM)the Cultivation and Innovation Fund from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University,China,No.802168(to XSM)+2 种基金Hygiene&Health Appropriated Technology and Promoting Project of Guangdong Province of China,No.201905270933056876(to XSM)the fund of Leading Talents of Guangdong Province of China,No.87014002(to KFS)a grant from Ningxia Key Research and Development Program,and Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities of China,No.B14036(to KFS)。
文摘Our previous study verified the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)on retinal neurons and blood vessels in acute ocular hypertension(AOH)mice.To investigate the effect of LBP on the reactivity of retinal glial cells,an AOH mouse model was established in one eye by maintaining ocular hypertension of 90 mm Hg for 60 minutes.Either LBP solution(1 mg/kg)or phosphate-buffered saline was administrated to the mice by gavage daily,starting 7 days before the AOH insult and continuing until the mice were sacrificed for specimen collection on day 4 post-insult.After AOH insult,increased numbers of astrocytes and microglia were observed,together with decreased expression of the following glial cell biomarkers in the retinal ganglion cells of AOH mice:glial fibrillary acidic protein,glutamine synthetase,aquaporin-4,S-100 proteins,ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1,amyloid precursor protein and receptor of advanced glycosylation end-products.After intervention with LBP,the above changes were significantly reduced.Remarkably,morphological remodeling of blood vessel-associated retinal astrocytes,marked by glial fibrillary acidic protein,was also observed.These results,taken together,suggest that LBP regulated the production of amyloid-βand expression of receptor of advanced glycosylation end-products,as well as mediating the activity of retinal glial cells,which may lead to the promotion of better maintenance of the blood-retinal barrier and improved neuronal survival in AOH insult.This study was approved by the Committee for the Use of Live Animals in Teaching and Research(approval No.CULTRA-#1664-08).
基金supported by the Azalea (1972) Education fund to KFSo and RCCCFundamental Research Fund for The Centre Universities,No.21609101
文摘Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese anti-aging herb, has been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat chronic ocular hypertension (COH) model. Here, we investigated the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a strong vasoconstrictor, and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in the COH model and assessed the effects of Lycium barbarum on the ET-1 axis. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in the right eye of SD rats using argon laser photocoagulation. (1) The expression of ET-1, ETA and ETB in normal and COH retinas was studied. (2) Some COH rats were fed daily with Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides (LBP) using 1 mg/kg or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 3 weeks (started 1 week before photocoagulation). The effects of LBP on the expression of ET-1 and its receptors, ETA and ETB, in COH retina were evaluated. A semi-quantitative analysis of staining intensity was used to evaluate the expression levels of ET-1, ETA and ETB in retinal vasculature. We found that (1) Under COH condition, the immunoreactivity of ET-1 was increased in retina associated with an increase of ETB receptor immunoreactivity and a decrease of ETA receptor immunoreactivity. (2) After feeding COH rats with LBP, the expression of ET-1 was decreased with an increase of ETA expression and a decrease of ETB expression in the retina, especially in RGCs. (3) By comparing the staining intensity in the vasculature of COH retina in LBP-fed group with PBS-fed group, there was a decrease in the expression of ET-1 and ETA and an increase in ETB. In summary, ET-1 expression was up-regulated in the retina in COH model. LBP could decrease the expression of ET-1 and modulate the expression of its receptors, ETA and ETB, under the condition of COH. The neuroprotective effect of LBP on RGCs might be related to its ability to regulate the ET-1-mediated biological effects on RGCs and retinal vasculature.
基金supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1315404)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61572379,and 61501333)the fund of the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Big Data Security&Intelligent Processing(BDSIP1807).
文摘Mobile devices are widely used for data access,communications and storage.However,storing a private key for signature and other cryptographic usage on a single mobile device can be challenging,due to its computational limitations.Thus,a number of(t,n)threshold secret sharing schemes designed to minimize private key from leakage have been proposed in the literature.However,existing schemes generally suffer from key reconstruction attack.In this paper,we propose an efficient and secure two-party distributed signing protocol for the SM2 signature algorithm.The latter has been mandated by the Chinese government for all electronic commerce applications.The proposed protocol separates the private key to storage on two devices and can generate a valid signature without the need to reconstruct the entire private key.We prove that our protocol is secure under nonstandard assumption.Then,we implement our protocol using MIRACL Cryptographic SDK to demonstrate that the protocol can be deployed in practice to prevent key disclosure.
文摘Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease that is associated with bacteria of the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' (Ca. L.). Powerful diagnostic tools and management strategies are desired to control HLB. Host small RNAs (sRNA) play a vital role in regulating host responses to pathogen infection and are used as early diagnostic markers for many human diseases, including cancers. To determine whether citrus sRNAs regulate host responses to HLB, sRNAs were profiled from Citrus sinensis 10 and 14 weeks post grafting with Ca. L. asiaticus (Las)-positive or healthy tissue. Ten new microRNAs (miRNAs), 76 conserved miRNAs, and many small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were discovered. Several miRNAs and siRNAs were highly induced by Las infection, and can be potentially developed into early diagnosis markers of HLB. miR399, which is induced by phosphorus starvation in other plant species, was induced specifically by infection of Las but not Spiroplasma citri that causes citrus stubborn--a disease with symptoms similar to HLB. We found a 35% reduction of phosphorus in Las-positive citrus trees compared to healthy trees. Applying phosphorus oxyanion solutions to HLB-positive sweet orange trees reduced HLB symptom severity and significantly improved fruit production during a 3-year field trial in south-west Florida. Our molecular, physiological, and field data suggest that phosphorus deficiency is linked to HLB disease symptomology.
文摘Since the publication of Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper on Bitcoin in 2008,blockchain has(slowly)become one of the most frequently discussed methods for securing data storage and transfer through decentralized,trustless,peer-to-peer systems.This research identifies peer-reviewed literature that seeks to utilize blockchain for cyber security purposes and presents a systematic analysis of the most frequently adopted blockchain security applications.Our findings show that the Internet of Things(IoT)lends itself well to novel blockchain applications,as do networks and machine visualization,public-key cryptography,web applications,certification schemes and the secure storage of Personally Identifiable Information(PII).This timely systematic review also sheds light on future directions of research,education and practices in the blockchain and cyber security space,such as security of blockchain in IoT,security of blockchain for AI data,and sidechain security.
文摘The management options for ureteral obstruction are diverse, including retrograde ureteral stent insertion or antegrade nephrostomy placement, with or without eventual antegrade stent insertion. There is currently no consensus on the ideal treatment or treatment pathway for ureteral obstruction owing, in part, to the varied etiologies of obstruction and diversity of institutional practices. Additionally, different clinicians such as internists, urologists, oncologists and radiologists are often involved in the care of patients with ureteral obstruction and may have differing opinions concerning the best management strategy. The purpose of this manuscript was to review available literature that compares percutaneous nephrostomy placement vs ureteral stenting in the management of ureteral obstruction from both benign and malignant etiologies.